The first practice session of the Dutch Grand Prix was interrupted by an early red flag, just over 10 minutes in, after Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli beached his car in the gravel.
Why it matters:
This incident marked a challenging return for teams after the summer break, with multiple drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Yuki Tsunoda, experiencing spins. It underscores the high demands of the Zandvoort circuit and the need for quick adaptation.
The details:
- Kimi Antonelli's incident: The Mercedes junior driver suffered significant oversteer at Turn 8, sending his car into the gravel trap where it became beached. This necessitated a red flag and ended his session prematurely.
- Hamilton's spin: Prior to Antonelli's mishap, Lewis Hamilton spun at Turn 3 but managed to avoid the gravel and continue without damage.
- Tsunoda's recovery: Yuki Tsunoda also spun at Turn 10; he successfully recovered his car from the gravel and returned to the pit lane.
What's next:
Teams will be focused on maximizing the remaining practice time to understand the limits of the Zandvoort circuit and prepare for qualifying. The early incidents highlight the tight margins for error at this demanding track.