We look at F1 Team Performance, strategy and communication in the rain at the Dutch Grand Prix 2023 in the Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort.
Today, we’ll discuss all 10 teams competing for a top spot in the Constructors’ Championship. As usuall on the F1 Racing Podcast, we pull no punches and talk about the latest F1 news every other news outlet shys away from for whatever reason. The development race is ongoing and teams are constantly struggling to get that extra 1/10 of a second to give them that edge and a chance at more points.
Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT
Remains dominant in the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. It’s obvious they’re developing the car around Verstappen and not Perez, as noted by Perez in an article this week. Expect the team’s continued dominance. They may not loose a race this year, which would be insane, but not out of the realm of possibility.
Mercedes
Well the poor pit stops continue for the team, only one time this season have the drivers been stationary for less than 2.8 seconds, it seems. When all your competition is putting up 2.0s and 2.2s consistently, you need to make some changes. The car is good off the line and does well, maybe not Red Bull well but they’re competitive amongst Aston Martin and Ferrari. They botched the pit stop strategy when the rain came early and kept Hamilton out on the Medium tires for 3 laps!
Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes
It’s evident that they have a great car, by Alonso’s continued dominance. If they could both drivers in the points consistently, they could make up some significant ground on Mercedes for second place in the constructors’. They currently trail Mercedes by 40 points.
Ferrari
It’s obvious that there are communication problems amongst the team. Fred Vasseur isn’t having such a good time this year, and you know his bosses aren’t happy. They’ll be traveling to Monza this weekend and the Tifosi have a strong presence. The pressure is on for Ferrari this weekend, let’s see if they fold, or prevail dominant.
McLaren Mercedes
This team is unstoppable right now, well the rain may have something to say about that, but both drivers finish in the points and probably would’ve finished the race in higher positions had their rain strategy been more on point, but they’re slowly making strides toward the best of the rest Ferrari in the constructors’ standings.
Alpine Renault
Both drivers finished the race this week, so that’s good. But what’s better is both drivers finished in the points, including Gasly who landed on the podium due to Perez taking a 5 second penalty. Like I said last week, they have a competitive car, they just need to keep it on track to finish consistently. They did very well in the rain in the Netherlands and should feel a rush of adrenaline propelling their spirits as they travel to Monza this week.
Williams Mercedes
This team is on an uptick. Albon has driving lights out. And Sargeant just made it to Q3 for the first time in his career as an F1 driver. Sure he destroyed his car before he could put up a time in Q3, and anihilated his car during the race, but his wet driving skills were on display and maybe that gives him the confidence to brake later, go faster, and be more careful about not wrecking.
Haas Ferrari
Besides being on the broadcast for running off track and beaching the car, as well as wrecking in the practice sessions, Haas wasn’t very noteworthy. Both drivers failed to score points, nor make it to Q3. They’ve managed to score 11 points, but they’re sitting in 8th place behind Williams by 4 points, but Williams is on a tear right now. Alfa Romeo trails Haas by 2 points, so look for a battle between these two teams week-to-week.
Alfa Romeo Ferrari
I think it’s about time they look to replace Bottas because he’s only made it to Q3 2x this season and isn’t performing in the races. Their 2nd year driver is improving, but it seems he wrecks quite often. They’re not in dead last, but they might as well be. Their only hope, in my opinion, is Guanyu.
AlphaTauri Honda RBPT
They’re sitting dead last, just got rid of their rookie driver, replaced him with a washed up has been who breaks his wrist in FP2 and brings in Liam Lawson, reserve driver for Red Bull and Alpha Tauri. Even though the team says that’s Daniel’s seat, Lawson has the seat again in Monza, so hopefully there’s no rain and we can see what kind of a driver he really is.