We're on the shores of Zandvoort for the start of an exciting second half of the 2024 season.
The first half of the season has converged the top teams into a battle for race wins at every track. The Zandvoort Circuit in The Netherlands will be a proving ground for whoever can get up to speed after a relaxing summer break.
The track feature tight corners and bankings, meaning high downforce set ups will be applied.
Home hero Max Verstappen enjoys the best record at this track, with all three years since 2021 being won by him. His win last year under wet conditions proved a spectacle for the Dutch fans.
Talking points
We're set for a brilliant second half
There's one word that can be used to sum up the first ahold of the season: convergence. After the first race in Bahrain, many fans were already proclaiming: 'Give Max and Red Bull the championship already - and for next year too!'
They're not so confident now, are they?
While Max is quite far ahead in the drivers' championship. the constructors' championship looks a little different. With Mclaren upgrading their car to get closer to Red Bull, it seems that the Woking based team will have a good shot at the teams' championship later this year.
It's also down to Sergio Perez's lack of pace and points loss at recent races, causing Red Bull to hold meetings where they discuss his future. He holds his seat, for now, though.
The FIA have recently banned asymmetrical braking systems, where the inside wheel would get more braking force to help on turn in. Red Bull were spotted using this this year, but they'll have to remove it before this race. It could have implications on performance.
Ferrari and Mercedes aren't far behind either, though they have both enjoyed different successes. Ferrari were clearly the number two outfit at the start of the year, but middling results have pushed them back to a probable fourth.
Mercedes, however, seem to be constantly on the up with wins at Austria, Belgium, and Silverstone. They've been quoted as saying: 'we understand the car better now - we know where to go from here.'
While their zero-side pod concept didn't work in 2022, the gradual improvements they've made makes them true race win contenders.
All change at Alpine
It's been a busy summer for the French team as they try to continue their progress from the start of the season. While they were nowhere at the first few races, recent Grand Prix have allowed them to score a few points.
Alpine have signed a new team principal in Oliver Oakes, a former Junior series team principal. He will have to tread on murky ground as Renault CEO Luca Di Meo and Flavio Briatore are ready to get hands on.
The Enstone team also announced that they will not be a works team in years to come, citing costs of development. They are widely tipped to use Mercedes engines.
Lastly on Alpine, they have just signed Jack Doohan as second driver for next year. The Australian has been their reserve driver for a few years and finally makes the step up. He is the first person to be promoted from the Renault junior programme to F1 since Romain Grosjean in 2009.
Driver moves
Firstly, Carlos Sainz has (finally!) signed with Williams, citing trust and ambition as the main reasons. He'll be there for the long term and confirmed that he spoke to Mercedes and Red Bull about possible seats.
The Spaniard was linked to an Audi seat, but it is still unclear who will pair Nico Hulkenberg at the works team from 2026. Analysts believe that Vatlerri Bottas is the best option as he brings a wealth of knowledge to the new team.
We Also still don't know (do we ever?) what's going on at Red Bull. While Sergio Perez has been able to retain his seat for this year, we still don't know what'll happen further.
Helmut Marko has recently come out and said that Liam Lawson will be driving one of their cars next year, which further complicates matters. Who will he replace? Is Sergio Perez staying until the very end of the year? Can Daniel Ricciardo show he still has enough speed?
All these questions, so few answers.
Finally, insiders are saying that Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli will announce his signing to the works team at the Italian Grand Prix to pair George Russell next year.
He's been the talk of the paddock recently as Mercedes hope to show off their new youngster.
Podium Prediction
Who knows. Here's my guess.
3rd - Lewis Hamilton
He'll try to continue his run of form from recent races into the second half.
2nd - Lando Norris
The Briton will hope to show he's still top dog at Mclaren.
1st - Max Verstappen
Like Nigel Mansell in 1987, he'll use the fans to push him along to victory at his home race.
Driver to watch
After a few unlucky spells at the start of the season, Oscar Piastri will be hoping to turn his season around.
He took his maiden win at the Hungaroring this year, but the Australian driver has had to rely on some luck to get ahead of his teammate. His lack of experience in F1 has now been ironed out and he's ready to take on Norris.
Race details
The Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024 will start at 3pm on August 25th local time. In the UK, it'll be streamed on Sky Sports F1. Check local broadcasters for coverage.
