Formula 1 returns to Zandvoort this weekend for what should be the final edition of the Dutch Grand Prix, and the weather could play an important role, especially during the Sprint.
Read more Revolution or mirage at Williams? The mystery of Alex Albon’s new contract
For the resumption of the F1 World Championship next weekend in the Netherlands, the spectacle should be on the agenda at the Zandvoort circuit.
Indeed, rain is forecast in the dunes and this could bring surprises, both in the Grand Prix qualifying and during the Sprint on Saturday afternoon.
An already uncertain Friday
The first difficulties could appear as early as Friday. Showers coming from the sea are likely to cross the circuit during the afternoon, with a local risk of thunderstorms.
The wind should however remain relatively light, coming from the west and not exceeding a force of 2 to 3. Conditions could therefore change quickly during the free practice sessions.
Due to gusty winds, the tarmac should dry quickly indeed, especially if the sun breaks through the cloud cover.
A potentially very wet Sprint
It is especially on Saturday that the situation should become complicated. Numerous showers are forecast over the west of the Netherlands, placing Zandvoort directly in the most exposed area.
Read more Toto Wolff praises Peter Bonnington’s role in Kimi Antonelli’s transformation
The Sprint could notably take place under sometimes heavy rain, which would promise particularly tricky conditions on a track already demanding due to its banked corners and narrowness.
Temperatures should hover around 19° C. The wind will shift to the north and generally remain moderate, although stronger gusts may accompany the heavy showers.
These conditions could considerably complicate the drivers’ task, but also disrupt the hierarchy if some teams manage better than others to exploit wet or intermediate tires.
Return to calm on Sunday
The situation should improve significantly for the Grand Prix. A last shower remains possible Sunday morning, but forecasts then predict a gradual drying. The sun should even make regular appearances during the afternoon, with temperatures possibly reaching around 22° C.
The northwest to north wind should also remain light. Unless the forecasts change, the drivers should therefore find a dry track and much more stable conditions for the race.
Before a potentially calm Sunday, Saturday’s Sprint thus appears as the moment when the weather could have the most influence on this last weekend of Formula 1 at Zandvoort.
Read more Yuki Tsunoda seems to have come to terms in F1: on the way to IndyCar with Honda?
