Norris Tops Dutch GP First Practice As Chaos Reigns in Zandvoort
Lando Norris Leads a Dramatic Dutch Grand Prix First Practice
Lando Norris led a dramatic opening session at the Dutch Grand Prix 2023, clocking the fastest time in Friday’s first practice session at Zandvoort. His McLaren teammate and championship rival, Oscar Piastri, finished second, trailing the Briton by 0.292 seconds. Norris, who narrowed Piastri's championship lead to just nine points before Formula 1’s summer break, sent an early message as the tense Formula 1 championship race resumes.
The session was far from routine, packed with spins, off-track moments, and multiple red flags on the demanding Zandvoort Circuit. Mercedes academy driver Kimi Antonelli, racing as a reserve, ran afoul of the Zandvoort gravel early in the session. Local favorite and reigning champion Max Verstappen capped off his practice with an unusual trip to the gravel after completing a practice start in his Red Bull.
Slippery Zandvoort Leaves Drivers Struggling for Grip
The Zandvoort surface, made slick by recent weather conditions, proved challenging. Multiple drivers struggled with traction throughout first practice, with AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda spin contributing to a brief stoppage of the session.
Amid the chaos, Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari struggles continued to make headlines. The seven-time world champion entered the Dutch Grand Prix weekend with a bold declaration, stating on Thursday, “I want to have fun driving again,” after describing his recent form as “absolutely useless.” Unfortunately, Hamilton’s difficulties persisted as he spun just 10 minutes into Friday’s session.
Although he managed to keep his car out of the gravel, Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc struggled to get pace out of their Ferrari SF-23 machines. Hamilton finished the session 14th, with Leclerc close behind in 15th. Both drivers were over a second off Norris’s front-running time—Hamilton ended up a whopping 1.682 seconds down.
“We should focus about what we are doing now, we are miles off, like miles off,” said Leclerc in a frustrated radio message to the Ferrari garage.
Aston Martin Shines, Red Bull Fizzles
There were surprises in the midfield, as Aston Martin Formula 1 drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso took third and fourth on the timesheets. The strong showing brought a rare bit of optimism to Aston Martin’s camp after a string of middling performances earlier in the season.
By contrast, Max Verstappen’s session offered little to cheer for his home crowd at Zandvoort. The four-time world champion finished the session sixth, trailing the McLarens and Aston Martins. Verstappen’s lost grip after the checkered flag—leaving his Red Bull stuck in the gravel at Turn 1—only fueled questions about his team’s Day 1 performance.
Elsewhere, Williams Racing’s Alex Albon impressed in fifth place, continuing the team’s resurgence in 2023. Albon’s time was just under nine-tenths off Norris’s pace, but the showing demonstrates Williams’ growing competitiveness. Mercedes’ George Russell finished in seventh, though his car appeared less comfortable in the tight midfield battle.
The Stage Is Set for a Dramatic Dutch GP
As Formula 1 fans gear up for Saturday’s Dutch Grand Prix qualifying session, multiple storylines are beginning to take shape. McLaren’s rise appears undeniable, with Norris shining amid championship contention. However, Ferrari’s ongoing problems and Max Verstappen’s peculiar struggles will dominate paddock conversations.
At Circuit Zandvoort, grip remains a looming question. With unpredictable conditions and a challenging layout, teams must adapt quickly. The stakes are high as Norris builds momentum while Verstappen and Piastri look to reassert their dominance in the 2023 Formula 1 Driver’s Championship.
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