Max completes only seven laps in Zandvoort FP1

Published on 02 September 2022 by Stefan Meens

In the opening practice session of the Dutch Grand Prix, Max Verstappen completed only seven laps of the Zandvoort Circuit. The Oracle Red Bull Racing driver was forced to retire his RB18 after suffering a gearbox failure. It meant Max finished the session in P19. At the front, Mercedes led the way with George Russell fastest ahead of team mate Lewis Hamilton. Carlos Sainz completed the top three in his Ferrari.

FP1 is off to a sunny start with 110.000 fans, mainly dressed in orange, taking their spots around the circuit in the dunes. Although the track lay-out has not changed from last year, the second DRS zone has been extended. The drivers are now allowed to activate DRS before the final banked turn, Arie Luyendyk corner.

Max is one of the first drivers out on track, this time sporting a special helmet design that pays tribute to his father Jos. After being congratulated on his appointment as Officer in the order of Orange-Naussau by team boss Christian Horner over team radio, Max sets about putting in his first timed laps.

Sadly for the Orange Army, the reigning champion only completes seven laps. A gearbox issue forces the Dutchman to park his car track side, meaning he misses the remainder of FP1.

With forty minutes to go, the session is resumed and slowly but gradually the lap times tumble. With twenty minutes to go, everyone bar the Mercedes have set a quick lap on the soft Pirellis with Carlos Sainz leading the McLarens of Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo.

When the Mercedes eventually do bolt on the red side-walled softs, they immediately go quickest with George Russell ending the session in P1.

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Results first free practice Netherlands: