Fernando Alonso blames upgraded Honda power unit for Dutch sprint qualifying problems
Fernando Alonso said problems with Aston Martin’s upgraded Honda power unit were a key factor in his sprint qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix. Alonso said: "Free practice was more or less ok, but in qualifying, we had problems on the engine drivability. It was pushing under braking, so it was difficult to stop the car sometimes because the engine was overdelivering. Then, apparently, the SLM [straight line mode] didn't work for me, so I could not open the rear wing. A combination of both made the laps very tricky."
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Verstappen reflects on 'tricky' Dutch Sprint Qualifying
Max Verstappen says Red Bull "need to understand" why they struggled for balance after he qualified sixth in Sprint Qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix. Verstappen said: "I guess we out-qualified one car, but yeah, just a bit tricky to find the grip, the balance. It was already a step forward from FP1, but of course still lacking a little bit to be a little bit further up the road. It's something that we need to understand. Now, what we can do with the balance for tomorrow, to find a bit more grip, really, to close the gap a bit."
Lawson gives his take on first day back in a Red Bull
Liam Lawson says his Sprint Qualifying exit in SQ2 at Zandvoort was frustrating despite feeling good in the Red Bull on his first day back with the team as a substitute for the injured Isack Hadjar. Lawson said: "Yeah. Honestly, I don't really know. Obviously it's been an interesting day. Normally, you sort of improve through Quali, and we started SQ1 quite strong, then we didn't make the same step that everybody else did. We'll look into it. There's a lot, obviously, to learn today. So far, honestly, I feel quite good in the car. I was honestly feeling okay through Quali, I thought we'd get through, so it's a shame."
Russell: Sprint pole a good reminder that 'I've still got it'
George Russell said taking Sprint pole for the Dutch Grand Prix was a reminder that he “still” has it, after a season in which he has been unexpectedly outperformed by Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli. Russell said: "It's been a little while since I've been top of the timesheets in any session. I can't even remember the last time. It's good to remind myself I've still got it and haven't forgotten how to drive. The break came at a good point."
"Difficult to stop the car" - Honda's new engine comes with fresh but expected driveability issues
Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin needs to optimise Honda’s upgraded engine after driveability problems made it “difficult to stop the car” in sprint qualifying at Zandvoort. Alonso said: "Free practice was more or less okay but in qualifying we had problems on the engine. Driveability was pushing on the braking, so it was difficult to stop the car sometimes because the engine was over-delivering. And then apparently the SLM mode didn't work for me so I could not open the rear wing. A combination of both made the laps very tricky. When you brake and the throttle is open, it's difficult to stop the car."
Lewis Hamilton voices confusion after sprint qualifying letdown
Lewis Hamilton says subtle changes after first practice left him with a “completely different car” as he struggled for pace in sprint qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix. Hamilton said: "FP1 felt good. We made subtle adjustments to the car, but when we got into qualifying, it was a completely different car. We need to figure out what went wrong, and we'll do our best tomorrow."
James Vowles details crucial boost for ‘hurting' Williams with Carlos Sainz re-signing
Williams team principal James Vowles said keeping Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz at the team for the foreseeable future is a major boost for a “hurting” Williams during a season that has not gone to plan. Vowles said: "It's [Williams] a team that's hurting; there's no doubt about it. We're not where we want to be; this is not what we planned for. So to have the news that two of your leaders are by your side, growing with you, and believe in the journey you're on is incredibly powerful for an organisation, especially when we're asking what we are to them."
Sainz's car compromised by trips through “aggressive” Zandvoort gravel in practice
Carlos Sainz Jnr says his Williams has had to revert to less competitive components for the rest of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend after he damaged parts in practice by running into what he called Zandvoort’s “aggressive” gravel, with the team “tight” on spares until an upgrade in Azerbaijan. Sainz said: "I struggled a lot this morning with the balance of the car and unfortunately went off into the gravel a few times. We damaged quite a lot of parts on the car, so in my FP1 I couldn't run with the right components and the components that we have to put on the car for the rest of the weekend are not the best in terms of downforce and performance delivery. We are a bit tight on everything until we get the upgrade in Baku."
Lewis Hamilton wants to put Ferrari back 'where they belong' amid F1 title race
Lewis Hamilton says Ferrari are “one step away from where they belong” as he looks ahead to the title fight heading into the Dutch Grand Prix following Formula 1’s summer break. Hamilton said: "I'm enjoying where we are. It's amazing to come out of a break and be in a scenario where we're right in the mix with the top four teams, second in the championship, Ferrari one step away from where they belong. Our goal is to make that next step. It's not going to be easy against Mercedes or even the other two teams [McLaren and Red Bull] because I think they've all done a really great job."
The takeaways from Lawson's first day back at Red Bull
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