Max to make history at home? Who’s still got a point to prove in 2023? – Dutch GP preview
Aug 21, 2023
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Damon Hill and Pedro de la Rosa join the podcast to discuss Max Verstappen's homecoming at the Dutch Grand Prix and drivers with a point to prove in the second half of the season. They also share how they revolutionized pit stops.
Max Verstappen is the clear favorite for the Dutch Grand Prix as he excels in any track and weather conditions and has shown great superiority, winning eight consecutive races.
Lewis Hamilton has been exceeding expectations in the Mercedes this season and his improved performance can be attributed to the car's changes and the team meeting his preferences.
Although Ferrari has faced difficulties this season with their challenging car, McLaren has shown significant progress in recent races and is a team to watch in the remaining races.
Deep dives
The Dominance of Max Verstappen at the Dutch Grand Prix
Max Verstappen is the clear favorite for the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, as it is his home race and he excels in any type of track and weather conditions. He has shown great superiority in recent races, winning eight consecutive races and extending his championship lead. However, there is hope for a more competitive race as McLaren has performed well in circuits with tight and twisty corners, and Ferrari's car, although challenging, has shown speed. Nevertheless, it will be a celebratory weekend for Max Verstappen, with a sea of orange and enthusiastic Dutch fans supporting him.
Lewis Hamilton's Improved Performance in the Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton has been exceeding expectations in the Mercedes this season, despite the team's dominating history. He has secured two second-place finishes and two third-place finishes, showcasing his skill and ability to push beyond the car's limitations. Hamilton's improved performance can be attributed to the car's changes and the team meeting his preferences, resolving issues with the ground effect and allowing him to drive the car more to his liking. With Hamilton's talent and the momentum at Mercedes, his performances are expected to continue getting stronger.
The Challenges Faced by Ferrari and McLaren
Ferrari has faced difficulties this season with their car, which appears to be challenging to drive, sensitive to different tire compounds, and has issues with the wind and suspension. While the car is fast, it presents unique challenges that impact performance. McLaren, on the other hand, has shown significant progress in recent races, particularly with their Silverstone performance, where they were closest to challenging Red Bull. The team's decision-making and overall package, coupled with strong drivers including Lando Norris and promising talent Oscar Piastri, make McLaren a team to watch in the remaining races.
Closest Challenges for the Championship
The podcast discusses the potential challengers to the leading team in the upcoming races. The speaker mentions the unpredictability of each Grand Prix and how teams' performances can vary. They highlight Ferrari's strong performance in Spa as an example. The speaker emphasizes the small margins of difference and the competitiveness among teams.
Pit Stops and Team Development
The podcast touches on the topic of pit stops and why some teams excel in this area. The speaker mentions factors such as tooling, human performance, and stopping accuracy. They also discuss the potential impact of the budget cap on future development and whether some teams may shift their focus to the next season. The speaker shares insights on the importance of understanding the current car before focusing on the next one. Overall, the podcast emphasizes the importance of continuous development and the potential for a closer grid in the remaining races.
It’s race week again! The 2023 Formula 1 season returns after the summer break with a trip to Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix. Will Max Verstappen match Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine consecutive wins in front of his home fans? What other history can he and Red Bull still create this season?
Tom Clarkson is joined by 1996 World Champion, Damon Hill, and former McLaren driver and current Aston Martin Team Ambassador, Pedro de la Rosa, to discuss Max’s homecoming and which drivers have a point to prove in the second half of the season.
Plus, Damon and Pedro explain how they individually “revolutionised” pit stops in Ask The Nation.
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