2021 Dutch Grand Prix

Championship standings

After the Belgian Grand Prix handed out half-points due to heavy rainfall, Hamilton’s championship lead was cut to three points over Verstappen. Norris, Bottas, and Pérez remain third, fourth, and fifth but scored no points in Belgium. Mercedes lead the Constructors’ by seven points over Red Bull.

Previous race

Belgium was the shortest race in Formula One history. Heavy rain delayed the start by 25 minutes. After two formation laps behind the safety car, the race was red-flagged. A nearly three-hour delay followed before two more laps were run under the safety car before being red-flagged again. With less than 75% of the race distance completed, the result stood at half-points. It was Russell’s first Formula One podium.

Entrants

Räikkönen tested positive for COVID-19 before FP3 and was replaced by reserve driver Robert Kubica, who last raced at the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Williams. Williams team principal Jost Capito also went into isolation after dining with Räikkönen the night before.

Milestones

This is the first Dutch Grand Prix since 1985. Circuit Zandvoort has been upgraded to FIA Grade 1 specification with a different layout from the one last used in Formula One.

Tyre choices

Pirelli brings the C1, C2, and C3 compounds.

Practice

Hamilton was fastest in FP1 ahead of Verstappen and Sainz. Vettel’s engine failed, causing a red flag that lasted 35 minutes. In FP2, Leclerc topped the session ahead of his Ferrari teammate Sainz and Ocon, but Hamilton suffered a loss of power that brought out a red flag. Mazepin spun into a gravel trap, causing a second red flag. In FP3, Verstappen went fastest.