2021 Formula One Dutch Grand Prix: Race preview

After a 36-year hiatus Formula One racing in the Netherlands returns for this weekend's 2021 Formula One Dutch Grand Prix. It's set to be a spectacle with the drivers left frustrated from the Belgian Grand Prix – suspended after a few laps of racing behind a safety car due to the treacherous conditions.

Some have experience in Formula Three at this track but with no one in the field has won in F1 here before, which could make it more of a level playing field.

Last weekend it was Max Verstappen who took home half points, George Russell got his first podium and finished second, while Lewis Hamilton crossed the line in third. It just goes to show how pivotal qualifying can be, as the field finished the way they initially lined up. Lewis heads into this round three points ahead of Max in the championship, keeping in mind, this is Max's home turf.

In F1 news this week, legend Kimi Räikkönen has announced his retirement after 20 years in the sport. This opens up a spot at Alfa Romeo. Toto Wolff confirmed that the decision has been made for the second seat at Mercedes, however, we aren't sure as to when the announcement will be made.

Unlike Belgium it won't be raining across the weekend, however, with a chance of rain only forecast on Sunday in Zandvoort. Bring on the rain – just as long as an actual race comes with it.

Zandvoort is a fast, challenging driver's track. The circuit is 4.259km in length and the race on Sunday will cover 306.648km across 72 laps.

The track record for F1 is held by one of the greats, Alain Prost, with a 1:16.538 (in the McLaren MP4/2B of 1985).

Zandvoort hosted the Dutch Grand Prix between 1948 and 1985. It was on for its comeback in 2020, but was removed from the calendar due to the pandemic.

Throughout its 30 races so far, 49 different drivers have finished on the podium.

In 1985, Niki Lauda took the final victory of his career in the final Dutch Grand Prix.

Jim Clarke has had the most wins at the track with four – his last in 1967.

I'm happy to say that this season you can't pick it. But, with the home track advantage we think Max will have the upper hand this weekend. Watch out for George Russell, confident after his first podium and poised for that Mercedes seat. He'll be looking to impress again at an unknown track.

We're expecting an underdog to appear on the podium too. Sergio Perez in the Red Bull is due for some big points, while Lando Norris will be looking to bounce back after a shocker in Belgium. Daniel Ricciardo has been impressive and just recorded his best result in the McLaren so don't discount him either.

Ferrari is due for a podium this round with Charles Leclerc moving down to seventh in the championship standings. Can Ferrari make an impact this weekend? The battle is on. It's Max versus Lewis and Red Bull versus Mercedes, with only seven points being the gap in the constructors standings.

Who will come out of this one leading the championship?