Verstappen back on top as CHAOS takes over in Dutch Grand Prix FP3
Verstappen back on top as CHAOS takes over in Dutch Grand Prix FP3
A series of chaos and three red flags in FP3 saw Max Verstappen head back to the top despite narrowly avoiding a crash during the session.
Despite the McLaren’s fighting for top spot, Verstappen, George Russell and Sergio Perez finished in the top three.
Rookie Liam Lawson took to the rain soaked Zandvoort track as the first driver out, stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo for the remainder of the weekend. Ricciardo’s participation was abruptly ended due to a hand injury sustained in a crash during FP2.
However, an early red flag was raised when Kevin Magnussen lost control of his rear while exiting the banked turn, leading him into the wall. This incident caused damage to his front wing and suspension.
Despite things quickly undergoing again, the challenging wet conditions proved problematic for several drivers, including Charles Leclerc who had a close call with the wall.
Zhou Guanyu found himself in trouble as he ended up in the gravel trap, forcing another red flag. This mishap occurred as he lost grip at turn 13, resulting in a spin after losing control of the rear of his car.
A gentle nudge on the car led Lawson to trigger the third red flag of the session, although the rookie managed to avoid any major damage to the car outside of a damaged front wing having kissed the barrier.
Things began to calm down the track times began to take shape. Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton clinched fourth and fifth, with Alex Albon, Oscar Piastri, Valtteri Bottas, Leclerc and Lando Norris all in the top ten.
The lower ten positions were a jumbled mix, encompassing a variety of constructors, including Carlos Sainz's Ferrari.
READ MORE: Legendary F1 team boss says biggest REGRET is no female driver
Competitive McLaren’s
Following Lando Norris's ability to outpace Max Verstappen and secure the top spot in FP2, the lingering question was whether he could continue this trend moving forward.
Both himself and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri remained at the top of the field for the majority of the FP3 session.
As the track began to dry Verstappen was able to slot his Red Bull in at the top of the field, quickly followed by others, pushing the McLarens further down the field.
Although initially leading the pack, the two were unable to maintain their positions at the top, ultimately finishing in P7 and P10, as the track dried up.
Intermediate Weather
With 20 minutes remaining, Yuki Tsunoda communicated over the team radio, stating that the weather conditions were suitable for intermediate tires.
The rest of the pack promptly followed suit as the track adapted to the newly fitted intermediate tyres, leading to a swift improvement in lap times.
Toward the end of the session, as the track started to dry, a dry racing line began to emerge, causing significant fluctuations in lap times across the field.
No Grip
The two Ferraris were the unluckiest of the grid in FP3 as they continued their poor start to the Dutch Grand Prix race weekend, after failing to find grip.
Both Leclerc and Sainz had near misses with the wall, after a series of lock-ups.
With just five minutes remaining, Leclerc narrowly avoided hitting the wall for the third time, sliding out as he exited the first corner.
However, they weren't the only drivers who faced this issue, as Alonso and Gasly also grappled with similar challenges.
Dutch Grand Prix FP3 practice results
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull): 1:21.631
2. George Russell (Mercedes): +0.023
3. Sergio Perez (Red Bull): +1.000
4. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin): +1.003
5. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes): +1.092
6. Alex Albon (Williams): +1.119
7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren): +1.261
8. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo): +1.334
9. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): +1.462
10. Lando Norris (McLaren): +1.527
11. Pierre Gasly (Alpine): +1.579
12. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari): +1.807
13. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri): +1.913
14. Logan Sargeant (Williams): +1.939
15. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas): +2.009
16. Esteban Ocon (Alpine): +2.175
17. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin): +2.427
18. Liam Lawson (AlphaTauri): +4.712
19. Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo): +6.851
20. Kevin Magnussen (Haas): NO TIME
READ MORE: Ecclestone claims to have 'NO MEMORY' of damning Crashgate interview
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
F1 team OFFICIALLY confirms signing of new lead driver
- 14 minutes ago
F1 News Today: Hamilton hints Newey Ferrari move as Verstappen takes swipe at F1 rival
- 2 hours ago
Newey Red Bull EXIT date revealed as F1 star confirmed at new team - GPFans F1 Recap
- Yesterday 23:57
Verstappen takes F1 swipe at Hamilton and rivals with ruthless remark
- Yesterday 22:57
Marko defends Ricciardo in 'unbelievable' idiot claim
- Yesterday 21:57
Hamilton hints at sensational Newey arrival at Ferrari
- Yesterday 20:57
Related news
Mercedes chief lifts lid on Hamilton qualifying struggle
Zandvoort to be EXTENDED in 2024 amid rising success of the Dutch Grand Prix
Verstappen on course for ANOTHER record as Russell suffers worst Mercedes result ever
A-list celebrity photo with Sky Sports F1 pundit gets ROYAL approval
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860