Dutch Grand Prix: 5 things we learned from the 2023 F1

5 things we learned from the 2023 F1 Dutch Grand Prix

Max Verstappen set another record in his sights with a commanding victory despite two downpours. He led two teams that ended brief podium droughts. What we learned at Zandvoort is as follows.

(Motorsports news) Although Max Verstappen currently appears to be virtually unbeatable in Formula 1, his victory at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix was a masterclass in adapting to shifting conditions. Verstappen delighted his home fans for the third consecutive year, and images of the crowd dancing during the late-race red flag stoppage entertained many viewers from a distance. However, Verstappen had to really struggle for this victory.

This is because Verstappen had to fight back after others, like Sergio Perez, made better decisions to stop for intermediates on lap one. Behind him, Aston Martin made a comeback, McLaren and Mercedes made poor tactical decisions, while Ferrari continued to suffer. Over the course of the weekend, Williams dominated the news, and the Zandvoort track itself produced a special set of rules.

1. Verstappen now has another F1 record within his reach:

Verstappen has now won nine consecutive races, matching Red Bull’s other world champion in the F1 record books. His winning streak dates back to the Baku race in late April. Verstappen is currently tied with Alberto Ascari’s run (either side of the 1953 Indianapolis 500) during F1’s spell racing to Formula 2 car design rules in the world championship’s early years, as well as Sebastian Vettel’s unbeaten record for the year.

Verstappen will now travel to Monza in an effort to take ownership of the record. The Italian Grand Prix is scheduled to feature a race on a track that favors Red Bull’s low-downforce package and powerful Honda engine. Verstappen is not advancing too quickly on the stats front, as ever.

2. A Baku breakthrough is behind Verstappen’s victory run at Dutch GP:

It’s crucial to remember Baku right now because Verstappen said after his victory on Sunday that the choices he took during his ultimately ineffective pursuit of teammate Perez there have considerably improved his 2023 performances ever since.

After winning his 11th race overall in 2023, Verstappen said, “I learned a lot from the race in Baku. “[That’s] how to set up and do certain stuff with the car. I obviously didn’t win that race in Baku, but I did try a ton of new things and gadgets in the car. Because of this, it was a little bit erratic throughout the entire race, but eventually, I developed a decent rhythm with what I found.

3. Perez retains Red Bull’s backing for 2024, despite his Zandvoort errors:

4. Aston Martin update boosts Alonso to podium return:

5. Ferrari is under massive pressure heading to its home race:

Carlos Sainz of Ferrari commented, “I would say after looking at the Alpine [we] were more [like] the sixth-fastest car this weekend,” after finishing fifth at Zandvoort. “I know that at one point it appeared that we might even compete for a podium, but when the race was over, when you look at our pace, we were just nowhere,” the author said.

That is a scathing verdict after a weekend in which Charles Leclerc wrecked the other SF-23 multiple times, with his first lap collision with Oscar Piastri of McLaren causing floor damage that finally ended his race and forced him to retire. This resulted from Leclerc’s damaged floor losing so much downforce.

Also read: F1 team executives call for a “rethink” of the calendar and format to aid new drivers