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Verstappen and Hamilton will take risks: 'They both know that'

Verstappen and Hamilton will take risks: 'They both know that'

05-09-2021 10:38 Last update: 11:22
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GPblog.com

With Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton on the front row of the grid, everything seems to indicate that there will be a spectacle on the program at Zandvoort. Formula 3 and the W-series have already shown that the winner is often decided in the first lap, and it will most likely be no different in Formula 1. F1-journalist Chris Medland looks ahead on Formula1.com.

"Max Verstappen looked a comfortable bet for pole position heading into the qualifying session and there was little evidence ahead of the final runs that that would change. But a number of issues added together that meant there was only a slight improvement from the Red Bull driver, while Lewis Hamilton came within 0.05s of pipping him to pole," Medland acknowledged.

Race decided at turn one

He expects there to be some hard racing on the first lap, especially as it will be so important to go through the Arie Luyendyk corner first at the end of the first lap. "Overtaking is expected to be difficult at Zandvoort, with a big delta between cars needed, or a mistake as there is little room for error.

"So both title rivals will know the majority of their hopes for victory rest on the opening lap, with Turn 1 and Turn 3 particularly crucial on that front," Medland concluded. The race will get underway this afternoon at 14:00 UK time.