The Formula 1 season resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, where Max Verstappen faces his toughest home race yet amid increased competition and Red Bull’s recent struggles. Despite leading the championship by 78 points over Lando Norris, Verstappen is no longer the clear favorite to win. Red Bull has been grappling with car development issues, particularly in balancing and fine-tuning the vehicle. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, admitted, ‘It’s getting harder to fine-tune and balance the car’.McLaren has emerged as a strong contender, with significant improvements to their car, including a new aerodynamic package. The team aims to challenge Red Bull’s dominance and start closing the gap with Verstappen. Mercedes is also in the mix, with George Russell stating that ‘only Norris is able to beat Verstappen in the championship at the moment’.In a significant development off the track, Alpine has announced that Jack Doohan will be their driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season, replacing Esteban Ocon. Doohan, the 21-year-old son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, will partner with Pierre Gasly. Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes expressed confidence in Doohan, saying, ‘Jack is a hard worker full of dedication. I think we have found a very good mix with the experienced Pierre Gasly and the young Jack’.Doohan, who finished third in Formula Two in 2023, will continue as Alpine’s reserve driver for the remainder of the 2024 season before taking over the race seat in 2025. The young Australian expressed his gratitude, stating, ‘I am very grateful for the trust and belief by the team’s senior management’. This promotion makes Doohan the first driver to graduate from the Alpine academy into a race driver position with the team.
Key points
- Max Verstappen faces increased competition at his home Dutch Grand Prix due to Red Bull’s recent struggles.
- McLaren and Mercedes have emerged as strong contenders, challenging Red Bull’s dominance.
- Alpine has announced Jack Doohan as their driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season, replacing Esteban Ocon.
