As we dive back into the heart-pounding action of Formula One, the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix is set to light up Circuit Zandvoort this weekend. After a four-week summer break, the excitement is palpable, and I’m here to give you the lowdown on what to expect from this thrilling race.
A New Era of Competition
If you’re a fan of the Dutch Grand Prix, you’ll know that Max Verstappen has been the dominant force since the race’s return to the calendar in 2021, winning each of the first three races at Zandvoort. However, this year could see that impressive streak come to an end. Why? Because 2024 has already turned into a rollercoaster of surprises and new winners.
After Verstappen’s dominance over the past two seasons—securing 34 wins out of 44 races—this year has introduced a fresh wave of contenders. Seven different drivers have already clinched victories halfway through the season. This is a significant shift from the past two years, where only five drivers won races combined. It seems like we’re in for a more unpredictable and exciting season than ever before.
Among the standout performers this year is Lewis Hamilton, who has been rejuvenated after a two-year winless streak. He clinched tawo wins out of the last three races before the summer break, showcasing that he’s still very much in the mix. Meanwhile, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have also made headlines with their first-ever race wins this season, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the championship.
Race Weekend Schedule
For those of you planning to catch all the action, here’s a quick overview of the schedule for the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort:
- Free Practice 1 kicks off on Friday, August 23, from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
- Free Practice 2 continues the action on the same day from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time.
- Free Practice 3 is scheduled for Saturday, August 24, from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
- Qualifying will take place on Saturday, August 24, from 9 to 10 a.m. Eastern Time.
- The main event, the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, is set for Sunday, August 25, starting at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.
How to Watch
For those eager to tune in, you can catch the race through various channels and streaming platforms:
- Cable TV: Tune into ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNEWS.
- Streaming: You can stream the race on ESPN+, F1 TV Pro, or Fubo (which offers a free trial).
Odds and Predictions
As for the odds, here’s a snapshot of where the betting world stands:
- Max Verstappen is favored with odds of +175, reflecting his strong performance and home advantage.
- Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from McLaren are also seen as serious contenders with odds of +185 and +550, respectively.
- Lewis Hamilton follows with odds of +800, showcasing his recent resurgence.
- George Russell is placed at +1000, while Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. have odds of +1600 and +2500, respectively.
- Other drivers, including Sergio Pérez, Fernando Alonso, and Yuki Tsunoda, have longer odds, indicating a less likely, but still possible, chance of victory.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the world of F1, the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix promises to deliver plenty of thrills. With a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, it’s anyone’s race to win. Don’t miss out on what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend of motorsport.
