Formula One returns after a long summer break. From now on, there should be plenty of races until December, and we come back to a fairly fun track in Zandvoort that favours technically gifted drivers.
Car performance is crucial as usual, but this time, it can be difficult to predict. Several teams are bringing update, despite the fact that most personnel wasn’t allowed to work on the cars for the majority of the break.
Up until the summer break, we essentially saw Ferrari and McLaren catch up with Mercedes. Ferrari took two lucky wins in a row, while the defending champion Norris finally got a win in Hungary. He is traditionally strong in the Netherlands too, so if McLaren can keep up their gains, it’s within reason that this could be another close race.
News ahead of the weekend
Three contract extensions have been announced over the last few days:
- Verstappen to stay with Red Bull until 2030
- Sainz signed a 30 million deal with Williams
- Albon also to remain with Williams
Verstappen was heavily predicted to leave Red Bull for some time. The fact that he stays with the team suggests that we won’t see many changes to the driver lineups for next year. Check my current predictions for the 2027 silly season here!
For the upcoming race at Zandvoort, there will be a change. Isack Hadjar is ruled out due to an injury. Liam Lawson takes his place at Red Bull for this round, while Yuki Tsunoda fills in at Racing Bulls. It’s unlikely that either of the two will have a particularly great race as they have questionable records at the track, but it is a chance for them to show their worth, especially Lawson who has had a surprisingly strong year thus far.
Bets
This section will be updated on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning as the sessions approach – remember that you can follow RaceValue on X to get updates.
