The new technical directive did nothing to deter Max Verstappen. Nor could the changing weather conditions across the weekend slow the commanding Red Bull.
He easily glided through the field to take his second straight win starting 10th or lower. Neither the Mercedes nor the Ferrari was anywhere near Verstappen’s pace.
But with Zandvoort a vastly different circuit from Spa, there is hope that the Dutch Grand Prix will prove to be a more competitive race.
Prior to the Belgian Grand Prix, Audi announced they will be joining Formula 1 starting in 2026. While their stated plans are limited to an engine supplier role,
reports indicate they could be looking to take over the Alfa Romeo-Sauber team, with Alfa Romero exiting after next season.
And the driver market rumor mill continues to heat since last week, including the introduction of a potential surprise American driver.
With the second seat looking to remain open regardless of the result of the Oscar Piastri case, the French team may be set to add a second French driver. Reports indicate that Alpha Tauri (and Red Bull) will allow Pierre Gasly to leave if he receives a true offer from Alpine.
Where Things Stand A third straight victory and his ninth already this season.
Max Verstappen (284) is not only cruising to a second World Championship but looks set to better his win and point tally from 2021.
Verstappen now leads his teammate Sergio Perez (191) by 93 points. And while the title may already be decided,
the race between 2nd through 5th will be intriguing to watch. Charles Leclerc (186), Carlos Sainz (171), & George Russell (170), are all within distance to overtake Perez.
the race between 2nd through 5th will be intriguing to watch. Charles Leclerc (186), Carlos Sainz (171), & George Russell (170), are all within distance to overtake Perez.
Meanwhile, in the Constructors Championship Red Bull extended their lead by another 21 points to take their advantage over Ferrari up to 118.
With mathematically still at play, 2022 will be Red Bulls’ first team title since 2013 after eight years of dominance by Mercedes.
The battles to watch for the rest of the season start with Ferrari & Mercedes over second, with the Italian side regaining the momentum after a Mercedes double podium in Hungary.
Can Aston Martin’s recent gains see them move from 9th up to 7th before the end of the season?
The Circuit After the high-speed runs of the longest circuit on the F1 calendar at Spa (4.3-miles), F1 heads to one of the shortest tracks in Zandvoort (2.6-miles).
The circuit will feature two DRS zones, the long straight that crosses the start/finish line and another along the second half of the lap, setting up two frequent overtaking spots in Turn 1 and Turn 11
But with 14 turns, the Dutch Grand Prix is dominated by its corners. Fast and flowing, the best descriptor for Zandvoort is a rollercoaster-like feel.