F1 Round Up: Zandvoort expands pitlane, Ferrari falters, Aston Martin is back

Extended pitlane in 2024 for Zandvoort

As the Formula 1 circus rolled into the tight confines of Zandvoort last weekend, the inadequacies of the circuit's cramped pitlane were once again starkly apparent.

However, plans are now firmly in motion to elongate the restricted pitlane ahead of next year's Dutch Grand Prix in order to boost safety and functionality.

The iconic seaside track will commence construction to extend the pit exit end by a further six garages, allowing the teams increased and much-needed working room during sessions.

"We could do with more space to just allow for a bit more safety and also for the pit stops so there's just more working space," said Zandvoort sporting director Jan Lammers, who stressed the changes will allow mechanics to operate more safely during hectic pitstops.

The expansion will also necessitate re-routing the pedestrian tunnel underneath the start-finish straight.

Lammers reiterated that upgrades to the dated facility will continue in coming years as Zandvoort strives to upgrade its infrastructure to cement its future on the F1 calendar with a long-term contract.

Sainz 'Ferrari sixth fastest car'

In a weekend of dramatically changeable weather conditions, Ferrari's risky strategic setup choices backfired spectacularly in the Dutch Grand Prix, leaving the team off the pace and struggling for grip.

Opting to run exceedingly low downforce in the pursuit of straight line speed, the data-driven Scuderia clearly struggled to switch on the tires and extract performance from their package in the mixed conditions that Zandvoort threw up.

"I would say after looking at the Alpine [we were] more [like] the sixth-fastest car this weekend," said Carlos Sainz, who managed to drag his ill-handling machine to a P5 finish in what he called one of his best drives of the year.

Meanwhile Charles Leclerc retired early from the race with extensive floor damage after contact with the McLaren of Oscar Piastri on the opening lap.

Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur candidly admitted their car concept and setup choices were far better suited to normal dry conditions, and the changeable weather had caught them off guard.

"It’s clear that our package would have been better in standard conditions and more consistent conditions, but it’s not an excuse at all," he said.

However, the team's outright qualifying speed on Saturday at least showed glimpses of promise for the upcoming Italian GP at Monza, another temple of speed.

Aston Martin is back

In a vintage display of overtaking and strategic mastery, Fernando Alonso charged to second position around the undulating Dutch coastline.

After dropping down to P6 off the line, the wily and experienced Spaniard made steady yet effective progress through the field during the first phase of the race.

"The good thing was that he was in control all the time," said Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack of Alonso's charge.

The two-time Champion even recovered from a painfully slow pitstop to expertly re-pass the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz the for position.

Then in treacherous late race rain showers, Alonso made the bold call to stay out on slicks, gaining P2 from Sergio Perez after the Red Bull driver pitted.

After a red flag suspension, Alonso hounded early race leader Max Verstappen at the restart, closing to within just 3.7s at the flag.

An elated Alonso told his Aston Martin team afterwards, “We will win one race soon, we are getting closer.”

Krack praised Alonso's composure under pressure and robust speed, adding that further new parts are coming in Monza as the team seeks to maintain this forward momentum after the summer break.