Formula 1 officials are set to review the starting procedure for the Dutch Grand Prix following a chaotic opening lap at Circuit Zandvoort last weekend. The decision comes after multiple incidents, including a significant shunt involving Max Verstappen.
Pierre Gasly confirmed that drivers will provide feedback regarding the damp track conditions that caused mayhem. The mixed conditions led to several incidents during the initial stages of the race.
Max Verstappen’s Red Bull made contact with the barriers at the final corner after tapping a wet kerb. The incident resulted in substantial damage to his car, forcing his retirement from the race.
During the same opening lap, Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto experienced a 360-degree spin in the midfield. He narrowly avoided a more serious collision, highlighting the treacherous conditions for multiple competitors.
The majority of the Zandvoort circuit was dry, but the final banked corner remained damp. Water patches were present at the foot of the banking, creating a significant grip discrepancy.
The formation lap was led by the safety car, followed by a standard grid start. Questions have arisen regarding whether additional safety car laps or a rolling start should have been implemented.
‘If we go the way we did with one lap behind the safety car, standing start, I would have preferred to just do a normal out-lap, so we would have pushed a bit faster,’ Gasly stated. ‘I thought the point was to go at least once through the last corner on the banking with the safety car before doing the normal race start.’
Gasly further commented on the conditions, noting that slick tyres would still have been the choice. He indicated that the review would consider driver feedback for future events.
He described the final corner as ‘the wettest corner’ and ‘extremely tricky’. Gasly observed Verstappen’s ‘massive snap on the wet patches’ which he could not control.
FIA Race Director Niels Wittich confirmed that the review would involve detailed input from both drivers and teams. The primary focus is on the disparity between dry and damp sections of the track.
Article 42.10 of the Sporting Regulations allows the Race Director to alter starting procedures. Options include mandating a rolling start or extending safety car laps in adverse conditions.
Other drivers also voiced concerns. Lando Norris highlighted poor visibility in the damp areas. George Russell supported the idea of more safety car laps or a rolling start for enhanced safety.
Sergio Pérez also noted the abrupt change in grip at the final corner. These collective driver observations will form a crucial part of the ongoing FIA assessment.
Verstappen’s incident occurred when his rear-right tyre made contact with a wet patch on the kerb at the exit of Turn 14. This led to an immediate loss of control and impact with the concrete wall.
The Red Bull sustained significant damage to its rear suspension and aerodynamic components. This rendered the car undriveable, ending Verstappen’s participation in the Dutch Grand Prix.
