F1 LIVE | McLarens leads FP1 in a 1-2, Ferrari is 'miles off'

Three long weeks of break have given drivers and teams time to recharge after the summer holidays, ready for what promises to be an exciting end to the season. The first of the final ten races will take place at the Zandvoort circuit, with the Dutch Grand Prix reaching its penultimate edition.

Attention is naturally focused largely on local hero Max Verstappen, winner in 2021, 2022, and 2023, who last year had to yield to the superior pace of Lando Norris and McLaren.

Norris had indeed claimed pole position on Saturday, but the four-time world champion managed to overtake him at the start with an excellent launch. However, he couldn’t match his rival’s clear speed advantage, even though Zandvoort is a circuit where overtaking isn’t easy.

Even this year, Red Bull has struggled to match the performance of the MCL39, though the Dutchman remains a key contender for Sunday’s victory.

Speaking on the eve of his home Grand Prix, Verstappen stated: "It has been a good summer break, relaxing and spending time with family and friends. It was good to recharge and reset and we head straight to Zandvoort for the first race back." 

The first free practice session will start at 12:30 local time, with GPBlog, as always, beginning live coverage of the session from 11:30.