Friday practice at the Dutch Grand Prix was chaotic, with an unforgiving Zandvoort circuit, low grip, and gusty winds causing multiple incidents and red flags.
Why it matters: The challenging conditions suggest a dramatic qualifying and race. Precision and car setup will be crucial to avoid costly errors on this difficult track.
The big picture: Zandvoort's narrow, high-speed layout with limited run-off, coupled with cool temperatures and strong winds, created a challenging environment. Even top drivers struggled, underscoring the fine margins.
Key Incidents:
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes): Caused the first red flag in FP1, beaching in Turn 9 gravel after a lock-up. He lost significant mileage.
- Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull): Spun in the Turn 11/12 chicane before Antonelli's incident, hitting a kerb. Managed to rejoin.
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): Suffered two 360-degree spins – one in FP1 at Turn 2 due to an unsettled car, another in FP2 at Turn 9 after touching grass. Cited an "unpredictable" car.
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull): Had a peculiar off at Turn 1 after an FP1 practice start, locking up due to suspected wrong brake balance and sliding into gravel. Complained of persistent understeer.
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin): Heavy FP2 crash at banked Turn 3. A front lock-up led to a violent impact with the barrier. Fortunately, he was uninjured despite recent wrist surgery.
- Alex Albon (Williams): Damaged his front wing in FP2 at Turn 1 after touching grass and locking up, sending him into the barrier. Attributed it to "very windy" conditions.
What's next: Teams face a tough night optimizing setups. Saturday's qualifying will reveal who best mastered Zandvoort's demands, with high potential for continued drama.