F1 Dutch Grand Prix - Friday practice - As it happened

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Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W12.
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W12.
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Formula 1 returns to the Netherlands for the first time in over 30 years as it takes to Zandvoort.

Max Verstappen will have the orange army behind him as he looks to reclaim the lead from Lewis Hamilton in the drivers' championship.

Verstappen won last time out at Spa after the race was called off due to heavy rain with half points being handed out as a result.

On Wednesday, Kimi Raikkonen announced that he would be leaving the sport, potentially causing a domino effect with Valtteri Bottas moving to Alfa Romeo, while George Russell is expected to drive for Mercedes in 2022.

What to expect from this weekend at Zandvoort?

Pirelli has nominated the C1, C2 and C3 tyres - the hardest tyre compounds in its range.

The tight, twisty Zandvoort circuit isn't expected to present too many overtaking opportunities.

Keep an eye on how the tyres react to Zandvoort's iconic banking section at the end of the lap.

Ahead of the weekend, Pirelli's Mario Isola said: “The Dutch Grand Prix is obviously a new challenge but thanks to the data provided by Formula 1 and the teams, we have been able to come up with a tyre nomination and prescriptions that are closely aligned to what we can expect from this exciting new venue. Being a new track, the free practice sessions will also be essential when it comes to gathering real data and formulating the tyre strategy for the race. What's for sure is that the circuit layout is going to place heavy demands on the tyres, as can be seen from the computer simulations that we have already carried out. We’ve already raced at Zandvoort in the GT World Challenge this year, and this too has provided us with some useful information.

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