Verstappen Could Face Prosecution

🌎 Around Formula 1

🚩 2022 Cost Cap Investigation - Results of the FIA's investigation on F1's 2022 cost cap violations are expected by early September, with teams awaiting verdicts on potential breaches after Red Bull's 2021 fine. Read more

🆕 F1 Rookies Get Practice - F1 introduced a rule change in 2022, mandating teams to provide rookie drivers with two FP1 sessions during a season. This move aims to nurture emerging talents and offer valuable experience. Ferrari's Robert Shwartzman will take the place of Sainz in FP1 this week. Read more

🐐 F1 GOAT? - A user on Reddit created a list of F1 drivers and their win rate. Leading the list is Juan Manuel Fangio at 47% 🤯. A few people last week actually had him as their GOAT in our weekly poll, shoutout to them. Hamilton is 4th at 32% and Verstappen at 26%. After this year those two may be very close. See Reddit Post

🔋 24 Race Maximum - Leclerc voices concerns over the 24-race calendar, citing staff wellbeing. He believes the schedule may diminish the uniqueness of races and the toll it takes on non-driver personnel. Read more

🛞 Drivers

👮‍♂️ Max’s Potential Prosecution - Verstappen could potentially face prosecution in France due to a video circulating on social media that shows him driving a £3m Aston Martin hypercar at 20mph over the speed limit in a tunnel near Monaco. The video also captures Verstappen wearing headphones while driving, which is prohibited in France. Watch video

😎 Lando Copying Max’s Playbook - Norris mirrors Verstappen's patient loyalty as McLaren resurges. After McLaren's dip in performance, Norris stayed committed and was rewarded with a mid-season upgrade that yielded podiums. It highlights the importance of driver-team rapport and long-term vision in F1 success. Read more

🏆 Alonso’s Regret - The Spaniard regrets not winning a world championship with Ferrari. While disappointed by close calls in 2010 and 2012, he cherishes his career moments more and looks forward to potential successes in both F1 and the Dakar Rally, which he considers a top priority. Read more

🏋️‍♂️ Danny Preparing - Ricciardo is gearing up for a strong second half of the Formula 1 season after utilizing the summer break to enhance his physical fitness (this video had me in tears when asked about it) and mental state following his return with AlphaTauri. Having participated in races in Hungary and Belgium before the break, he’s eager to attack the upcoming races, particularly at Zandvoort due to its fast track and vibrant atmosphere. Read more

🙄 Hamilton Hypocrisy - Lewis rejects accusations of hypocrisy regarding his calls for competition in F1 despite his past dominance with Mercedes. He emphasizes wanting close competition and highlights that periods of domination, like Red Bull's, should be balanced for the sport's vitality. Read more

🏎 Teams

🏭 £70 million Factory - Mercedes is transforming its Brackley factory into a £70 million F1 village, focusing on collaboration. This expansion, part of a four-year program, aims to provide engineers with top-notch facilities for enhanced teamwork, creativity, and innovation, reinforcing Mercedes' commitment to excellence in the sport. Read more

🔒 Haas Team Re-signs - Haas has confirmed that Hulkenberg and Magnussen will continue to race for the team in the 2024 season. Hulkenberg has reached Q3 six times and achieved the team's best finish. In his sixth season with Haas, Magnussen has secured two points finishes. Hopefully, the team can get the drivers a car to move them up in the constructors’ championship, where they currently sit eighth. Read more

🇳🇱 Dutch GP Preview

Nestled within Zandvoort's 4.259km track are unique features, like the 18-degree banking of the final corner, reminiscent of the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Grand Prix has been a part of F1 since 1952 with Hamilton holding the lap record. The circuit poses challenges, with its tight and twisty layout, making overtaking difficult. The race has seen 47 overtakes in 2022 and has a 50% chance of Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car appearances.

Watch for strategies to exploit tire degradation, especially with the same tire allocation as last year (C1, C2, and C3). The tight pit lane and limited space around the circuit could play a role in the race dynamics.

Verstappen's dominance and Red Bull's winning streak add pressure to stay perfect. Can challengers like Mercedes, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and McLaren break through? As Verstappen aims for nine successive wins, historic moments like James Hunt's triumph in 1975 remind us that the Dutch Grand Prix is no stranger to unforgettable stories. Read more

📊 Standings