EL1 – Lewis Hamilton best time after a long neutralization

36 years later, Formula 1 is back on the Zandvoort circuit for a Dutch Grand Prix which promises to be incandescent with a Max Verstappen in the wake of Lewis Hamilton in the driver rankings. While the Formula 3 test session was marked by two red flags, that of the Formula 1 has the right to a yellow flag from the exit lap where Yuki tsunoda went into a spin at the end of the second sector. Esteban Ocon also went off the track in the third sector while his compatriot Pierre Gasly signed the first reference time, beaten by Carlos Sainz in 1:14.610. Max Verstappen reminded his opponents that he is racing at home by being the first driver to go under 1:13 with a 1:12.850, on hard tires.

Sebastian Vettel found himself at the pit exit stop. The German even collected a fire extinguisher to try to put out a Aston Martin smoking. With the number 5 car stopped on track, the session was neutralized by a red flag 40 minutes from time. The four-time world champion remained at his bedside car for long minutes, cursing against fire extinguishers and marshals. The latter considering the Aston Martin as dangerous following an energy recovery problem, it could not be evacuated and the session was still interrupted 25 minutes from the checkered flag. Once the batteries were discharged, the car was finally brought back to the pits half an hour after it was immobilized. 

The session finally resumed six minutes from the end. The best times fell, with both Ferrari then both Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton managed through heavy traffic to finish the session with the best mark in 1:11.500, ahead of Verstappen at 0.097 and Carlos Sainz at 0.101. Charles Leclerc finished fourth in 1:11.623 ahead Valtteri Bottas (1: 11.738), Fernando Alonso (1:12.158), Esteban Ocon (1:12.231), Antonio Giovinazzi (1:12.359), Lance stroll (1:12.431) and Pierre Gasly (1:12.515) to complete the top 10.

Full details from FP1 at Zandvoort #DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 pic.twitter.com/yAFHPfc7N0

- Formula 1 (@ F1) September 3, 2021