Formula 1
2024 Dutch GP: Verstappen’s home advantage and other F1 developments
As the F1 circus rolls into Zandvoort for the 2024 Dutch GP, all eyes are on Max Verstappen, who returns to his home circuit with something to prove. After a season that has shattered expectations, we’ve witnessed unprecedented competitiveness across the grid. With seven drivers claiming victory in the last 14 races, the 2024 Dutch GP presents itself as another opportunity for a new winner, or whether Verstappen’s home advantage will come in handy? Read about it all in the weekend preview from DRC.
Another Potential Record for Verstappen?
For fans, it’s been a refreshing change of pace from Red Bull’s previous dominance. Teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren are all stepping up to the challenge. Verstappen, the reigning world champion, finds himself in unfamiliar territory, with his last win dating back to Barcelona.
But if there’s one race Max Verstappen will be particularly determined to win, it’s the 2024 Dutch GP. As his home event, Verstappen is unlikely to let up, and for Red Bull, being competitive at Zandvoort is a must. Since the middle of the 2022 season, Verstappen has embarked on an extraordinary run of dominance, shattering records along the way. This weekend, he has the opportunity to add another milestone to his name. A win would make him only the fourth driver in F1 history to win their home race four times in a row, joining Lewis Hamilton, Jim Clark, and Juan Manuel Fangio.
Are Red Bull developmental plans & second seat going haywire?
Last year, Red Bull capitalized not only on their continuous upgrades but also on the struggles of their main rivals, Mercedes and Ferrari. However, this season is a different story, as both teams have addressed their issues over the winter and are now back in contention for race wins.
Red Bull’s latest innovations have provided some aerodynamic gains but have not delivered the expected performance boost. Technical Director Pierre Wache has openly acknowledged these challenges.
We improved compared to last year, without a doubt,” he told Autosport.
“But we didn’t deliver what we expected in some areas.
A significant concern for the reigning champions is that they have already introduced several major update packages, while other top teams, particularly McLaren, still have substantial upgrades to come.
Red Bull’s challenges this season extend beyond car performance. Perez’s recent drop from 2nd to 7th in the final race before the summer break has highlighted his difficulty in keeping pace with rivals from McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Despite this, Red Bull has opted not to replace him, instead focusing on his discomfort with the RB20, particularly his complaints about a lack of grip.
To help Perez regain his early-season form, Red Bull plans to reintroduce older RB20 components. However, with McLaren and Mercedes improving and Ferrari set to introduce significant upgrades, even a return to form might not be enough.
Ferrari prepares for crucial upgrades at 2024 Dutch GP
At the start of the season, Ferrari emerged as Red Bull’s closest challenger. However, as McLaren and Mercedes have made significant strides, Ferrari’s decline has been largely self-inflicted. The upgrades introduced to the SF-24 in Spain failed to deliver the expected results, with the increased downforce reintroducing bouncing issues and forcing the team into setup compromises.
Ferrari has worked to mitigate these issues in recent races, and further corrections are expected at the 2024 Dutch GP. Changes to the rear suspension and diffuser should provide a more stable baseline, allowing Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to unlock greater performance and build confidence. However, the last few months have been tough for Ferrari, both on and off the track.
In addition to their development struggles, Ferrari has lost key personnel, most notably former technical director Enrico Cardile. As they search for his replacement, rumors suggest former Mercedes technical director Mike Elliott is being considered. This uncertainty, coupled with Ferrari’s lag in securing top talent like Adrian Newey, raises concerns about the team’s direction not only for the remainder of this season but also as the new regulations approach in 2025.
All Mighty McLaren
McLaren’s rise as a Championship contender this season has been marked by impressive performances from Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, both of whom claimed their maiden F1 victories.
The turning point came with a major upgrade package introduced in Miami, which catapulted the team to the front and erased Red Bull’s early advantage. However, despite their speed, McLaren has been hampered by strategic mistakes and operational issues, limiting their success and leaving them trailing Max Verstappen by significant margins in the Drivers’ standings.
Looking ahead, McLaren has a sequence of critical upgrades in the pipeline, which Team Principal Andrea Stella believes could boost their competitiveness in the latter half of the season.
“I’m surprised that we’ve been so competitive, considering that from Miami onwards, we haven’t actually brought trackside many new parts,”
Stella remarked. “Obviously, the Miami upgrade was big, but there’s some upgrades that will come in the second part of the season.”
With fresh upgrades on the horizon, McLaren is in a strong position to continue pushing Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship, even as they face the challenge of closing the gap to Verstappen and contending with Ferrari and Mercedes.
Mercedes’ Future: Upgrades and Talent Pipeline
At the start of the 2024 season, Mercedes faced genuine concerns with the W15, which struggled with unpredictability and balance issues. However, the introduction of a new front wing in Monaco, along with other changes, significantly improved the car’s stability. This breakthrough allowed Mercedes to overcome earlier correlation issues and see the performance gains from the wind tunnel translate onto the track. With confidence growing, the team is poised for a final push of upgrades before shifting focus to the 2025 season.
Meanwhile, Mercedes has made Kimi Antonelli a priority for their future lineup.
The 17-year-old’s impressive performances in Formula 2, including a dominant victory at Silverstone, have bolstered his position as a potential F1 driver. Despite earlier speculation linking more established names like Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz to Mercedes, the team is now set on integrating Antonelli into their plans for the 2025 season. Toto Wolff has highlighted Antonelli as a key focus, especially in light of the surprising contract announcement of Lewis Hamilton and the potential for instability at Red Bull.
Weather and Track information
The track in use this weekend is the Zandvoort circuit. The circuit remained a staple until 1985, before its much-anticipated return in 2021 after a 35-year hiatus. Located 35 km west of Amsterdam, Zandvoort is a 4.259 km (2.646 mi) track set in the North Sea dunes. Known for its challenging layout, Zandvoort features fast, sweeping corners like Scheivlak and the famous “Tarzanbocht” hairpin at the end of the main straight.
Tarzanbocht, with its unique camber, offers excellent overtaking opportunities. The circuit’s elevation changes, including a peak difference of 8.9 meters (29 feet), and highly banked turns like Turn 3 (19-degree incline) and Turns 13/14 (18-degree bank), add to the technical demands of the track, making it a true driver’s challenge.
The weather throughout the weekend is predicted as follows:
When and Where to watch
All the sessions will be streamed on F1 TV and Fancode.
The schedule is as follows:
Friday – 23 August
Practice 1 – 16:00 – 17:00
Practice 2 – 19:30 – 20:30
Saturday – 24 August
Practice 3 – 15:00 – 16:00
Qualifying – 18:30 – 19:30
Sunday – 25 August
Race – 18:30
Make sure to follow DesiRacingCo. on all socials to keep yourself updated on the happenings of the Motorsport world.
Formula 1
Monaco GP: Norris Triumphs In The Principality
Lando Norris got his first ever win on the streets of Monaco, something he said is a “childhood dream come true”.
Lando Norris delivered a masterclass at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, securing a crucial win that reignites his title campaign. After a weekend that started on shaky footing, the McLaren driver produced what many are calling “the lap of a generation” to snatch pole position, smashing the all-time Monaco lap record in the process.
On race day, Norris maintained his lead off the line despite a bold challenge from local hero Charles Leclerc. From there, the Briton managed the race expertly until the closing stages, when an unconventional strategy by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen allowed Leclerc to close a previously six-second gap to within striking distance. At one point, the Ferrari was just 0.235 seconds behind, but Norris kept his cool and his lead.
With Verstappen finally pitting on the final lap, Norris had clear air to stretch his legs, setting the fastest lap of the race, nearly three seconds quicker than his pace while stuck behind the Red Bull. It was a statement win on one of Formula 1’s most prestigious stages.
Home Hero Just Misses Out on Repeat Glory
Charles Leclerc had high hopes of repeating his 2024 home triumph, especially after topping all three practice sessions. With Ferrari’s car well-suited to the unique demands of Monaco’s low-speed layout, expectations were sky-high. However, a second-place result in qualifying left him just shy of a clear view.
At lights out, Leclerc saw a glimmer of opportunity at Turn 1 but found the door closed by Norris. Despite closing the gap significantly late in the race, he ran out of laps to make a decisive move. It was a strong result, but not quite the fairytale finish the Monegasque fans were hoping for.
Embed from Getty ImagesVerstappen’s Gamble Falls Short
Max Verstappen’s P4 finish tells only part of his story. After being promoted to fourth on the grid following a penalty for Lewis Hamilton, the Dutchman found himself leading several laps thanks to an aggressive long-run strategy. Slowing the leaders and hoping for a red flag, Verstappen attempted to steal victory through race interruption, but the miracle never came.
Still, a decent haul of points helps keep him within range in the championship battle. Meanwhile, teammate Yuki Tsunoda endured another torrid weekend. An early collision with Pierre Gasly dropped him to the back, and he eventually crossed the line in P17.
Racing Bulls Execute Perfect Team Strategy
Visa Cash App RB delivered a strategic masterpiece in Monaco. Rookie Isack Hadjar stunned the paddock with a career-best qualifying in P6, while teammate Liam Lawson lined up P9. In the race, Lawson played the ultimate team role, intentionally backing up the field to allow Hadjar a clean pit window and a shot at the front runners.
The result? P6 for Hadjar and P8 for Lawson, the pair’s best result in Formula 1 to date. Smart, calculated, and perfectly executed.
Williams Reaps Rewards for Tactical Play
Williams also benefited from strategic racing, with both cars finishing in the points, Alex Albon in P9 and Carlos Sainz in P10. In a move reminiscent of Racing Bulls, the team slowed the midfield train to manage tire life and track position. Mercedes was caught in this traffic jam, prompting an in-race apology text from Williams Team Principal James Vowles to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
The double points finish marked the team’s best Monaco result since 2005, a testament to the FW46’s growing consistency.
Mercedes Leave The Track Frustrated
Both the Mercedes Boys were involved in the Williams Train after a disappointing qualifying. In a hilarious event, George Russell overtook Alex Albon off track in the Nouvel Chicane. After sitting frustratedly behind a slow Williams for 70 laps, he received a Drive Through Penalty for the violation, and then, after the race, received a second Drive Through Penalty, which was added to his race time.
Antonelli had a similar scrappy weekend; a disappointing qualifying meant he was on the back foot. On Lap 1, he was embarrassingly done around the Hairpin section by the Sauber of Bortoleto, however, an attempt to overtake and regain his position ended badly for the Sauber after he was put into the wall.
A frustrating weekend in Monaco comes to an end.
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 25, 2025
A race defined by team strategy under the new mandatory two-stop rules. pic.twitter.com/ZU227wl1YC
Race Results
The points scorers 👏#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/wEMiY0YETX
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 25, 2025
Standings
DRIVER STANDINGS AFTER EIGHT ROUNDS
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 25, 2025
Piastri's lead cut to three points 🤏
Hadjar into the top 10 💪#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/7iSFmqu6yL
TEAM STANDINGS AFTER MONACO
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 25, 2025
We're a third of the way through the season…#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/lt9rGJBaEA
F1 Heads To Éspana: Spanish Grand Prix
Formula 1 now heads to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the final leg of the triple-header. With its mix of high-speed corners and technical sectors, the Spanish Grand Prix promises to be another stern test for both driver and machine.
Norris rides the momentum of a breakthrough win, while teammate Piastri will be eager to reassert his authority in the title fight. Don’t miss what’s shaping up to be a thrilling European summer.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X/, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Formula 1
Monaco Grand Prix: Formula One’s Crown Jewel
Formula 1 makes it’s stop at Monaco for the second race of the intense triple header.
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most iconic and prestigious races in Formula 1. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Monte Carlo’s harbour and steep hillsides, this street circuit offers a thrilling blend of glamour, history, and high-stakes racing. The tight, twisty layout makes every lap a challenge, demanding absolute precision and focus from the drivers. With limited opportunities to overtake and no margin for error, success in Monaco isn’t just about speed, it’s about control, timing, and staying off the walls.
About The Track
The Circuit de Monaco is widely regarded as one of the most difficult tracks in Formula 1. It’s narrow, full of sharp corners, and features constant elevation changes. With virtually no long straights, it offers few chances for overtaking, making qualifying performance especially critical.
Drivers must navigate legendary sections like the Fairmont Hairpin, which is the tightest corner on the F1 calendar, the tunnel, and the high-speed Swimming Pool chicane. The track’s bumpy surface and unforgiving barriers leave no room for mistakes, testing the limits of both car and driver from start to finish.
(Credit – f1.com)
Pirelli’s Specifications
Precision, glamour, heritage. The #MonacoGP is more than just a race — it's the purest expression of @F1.
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) May 20, 2025
Discover what makes Monte Carlo truly unique from a tyre point of view.
👉 https://t.co/cJCnwjQy6P#Pirelli #Fit4F1 pic.twitter.com/gW5s15oBtn
For a second consecutive race, Pirelli has selected the three softest compounds from the 2025 range. As in Imola last week, the C4 will be the Hard, the C5 the Medium and the C6 the Soft, with the first two being the mandatory compounds for the race.
This weekend will see an important change to the regulations, specifically for this event only. During the race, two pit stops will be mandatory.
The aim of the FIA and F1 is to inject more excitement into a race that has often been very linear and predictable, as was very much the case last year.
Stories This Weekend
Monaco Curse
Charles Leclerc broke his home race curse by finally winning in Monaco last year, but it’s been a rocky road. From crashes in qualifying to mechanical failures on race day, the streets of Monte Carlo have not been kind to the Monegasque driver in the past.
Although Ferrari’s current performance doesn’t seem to match the pace of McLaren or Red Bull, Leclerc will be aiming to make the most of his local knowledge and qualifying prowess to put himself in a strong position.
In honour of its 75-year partnership with Shell, Ferrari has also made subtle livery changes this weekend.
Max As A Title Contender
Fresh off a commanding win in Imola, Max Verstappen is back in the title hunt. The reigning champion has been steadily chipping away at McLaren’s lead in the standings. A strong qualifying performance in Monaco, ideally a front-row start, will be key to maximising his chances on Sunday.
While Verstappen skipped a private screening of the upcoming F1 Movie to focus on sim racing, his focus remains firmly on the track.
McLaren Special Livery
McLaren enters the Monaco weekend in strong form and will run a special livery, albeit with only slight changes to their signature papaya and black colour scheme. The team is targeting a front-row lockout in qualifying and looks poised to continue its run of strong performances.
F1 Movie Screening
A unique highlight ahead of the race weekend was a private screening of the upcoming F1 Movie starring Brad Pitt and produced by Lewis Hamilton. The film is expected to boost global interest in Formula 1. Most of the grid was in attendance, except for Verstappen, who chose to stay home for sim racing.
Lights. Camera. Action! 🎬 #F1TheMovie
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 21, 2025
Our drivers got to enjoy a private screening of @F1Movie in Monaco! 🍿#F1 pic.twitter.com/ffFaoTPnX4
Weekend Schedule
Weather Forecast
Friday: 23°C, Wind 13 km/h, 5% chance of rain
Saturday: 21°C, Wind 11 km/h, 25% chance of rain
Sunday: 23°C, Wind 11 km/h, 17% chance of rain.
The weather looks stable for the most part, allowing teams to collect consistent data throughout the sessions. If a surprise rain shower hits during qualifying or the race, it could shake up the grid in a big way.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
If the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was Imola’s swan song on the F1 calendar, the circuit made sure to remind everyone why it’s one of the sport’s most cherished and technical venues. From bold overtakes to strategic masterstrokes, this race had it all.
Verstappen’s Bold Opening Move Secures Victory
Max Verstappen once again demonstrated why he’s at the top of his game. Despite narrowly missing out on pole position in Saturday’s qualifying session, he made an audacious move into Turn 1 at the start, sweeping past pole-sitter Oscar Piastri and taking the lead by the end of the first lap.
From that moment on, Verstappen controlled the tempo of the race. Red Bull nailed the strategy calls under both the Virtual Safety Car and full Safety Car periods, allowing the Dutchman to maintain a comfortable gap to the McLarens and clinch a commanding win.
McLaren Double Podium: Norris Leads the Charge
McLaren came into Sunday with high hopes, having locked out P1 and P4 on the grid. While Piastri’s early loss of the lead set the tone for a challenging race, it was a mid-race shuffle and an untimely Safety Car that ultimately worked against the young Australian. He was overtaken by teammate Lando Norris, who had a strong recovery from P4, including a gutsy move into Turn 1 to grab second place.
In the end, Norris finished P2 and Piastri rounded out the podium in P3, a solid points haul that keeps McLaren firmly in the title fight.
Embed from Getty ImagesHappy Tifosi as Ferrari Charges Forward
The home crowd had plenty to cheer for, as Ferrari put on a show of grit and determination. Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton started outside the top ten, P11 and P12 respectively, but clever strategy and racecraft saw them carve through the field.
Hamilton secured his best result for Ferrari to date with a P4 finish, while Leclerc climbed to P6 after some tight battles and smart tire management. Together, they gained a remarkable 13 positions during the Grand Prix, much to the delight of the passionate Tifosi.
Mercedes Struggles
Despite a strong qualifying performance by George Russell who started P3 thanks to an alternative tire strategy inspired by Aston Martin the race told a different story for Mercedes. Tire temperature issues plagued Russell’s pace, ultimately leaving him to finish in a disappointing P7.
For rookie Andrea Antonelli, the home race turned bittersweet. Knocked out in Q2, the young Italian was running competitively before a mechanical failure ended his race prematurely, dashing hopes of a memorable debut on home soil.
A disappointing end to our Imola weekend pic.twitter.com/Mt8a5DG97j
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 18, 2025
Williams Score Big
Williams Racing delivered one of their most competitive weekends in recent memory. Alex Albon qualified an impressive P7, and his stellar race pace combined with timely strategy calls propelled him past Ferrari’s Leclerc to finish P5 securing 10 crucial points.
Teammate Carlos Sainz, starting P6, slipped two positions over the course of the race but still managed a respectable P8 finish. For a team that had zero points at this stage last season, it’s a monumental step forward.
Kicking off the triple-header in style 🤌#DrivenbyMyprotein pic.twitter.com/WhXENArgji
— Atlassian Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) May 18, 2025
Race Results
RACE CLASSIFICATION (LAP 63/63)
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 18, 2025
P4 for Hamilton, his best race result for Ferrari so far 👏
Double points for Williams 💪#F1 #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/W4cuxhJR3s
Standings
DRIVER STANDINGS AFTER 7/24 ROUNDS
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 18, 2025
Verstappen closes the gap to the McLarens 👀#F1 #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/8LbqNQpecX
TEAM STANDINGS AFTER SEVEN ROUNDS
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 18, 2025
➡️ Red Bull now just 16 points behind Mercedes
➡️ Williams hadn't scored a point this time last year #F1 #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/3VgnFoyvsr
Monaco Awaits: The Jewel in F1’s Crown
Next up, the paddock heads to the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix. Known for its unforgiving barriers, tight corners, and emphasis on qualifying, it’s a venue where precision reigns supreme. With the title race heating up and multiple teams in contention, expect another enthralling chapter in what’s shaping up to be one of F1’s most competitive seasons in years.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
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