Vettel Unstoppable Again, Wins F1’s Return to Zandvoort

Qualifying:

Pos	#	Driver	Constructor	Time
1	1	Sebastian Vettel		1:10.600
2	2	Lewis Hamilton		1:10.814
3	63	Jules Bianchi		1:11.179
4	62	Dave Cassidy		1:11.347
5	29	Pastor Maldonado		1:11.432
6	98	Salvatore Miccoli		1:11.316
7	21	Stoffel Vandoorne		1:11.513
8	90	Daniel Ricciardo		1:11.599
9	27	Nathan McKane		1:11.603
10	28	Romain Grosjean		1:11.712
11	91	Max Verstappen		1:11.979
12	99	Kevin Magnussen		1:12.014
13	22	Johnny Cecotto Jr.		1:12.248
14	30	Mike Rockenfeller		1:12.408
15	43	Sébastien Bourdais		1:12.686
16	55	Artem Markelov		1:12.739
17	31	Rhys Davies		1:12.759
18	67	Marcel Agyemang-Badu		1:12.803
19	5	Valtteri Bottas		1:13.249
20	32	Daniel Melrose		1:13.293
21	66	Esteban Ocon		1:13.342
22	6	Ma Qinghua		1:13.387
23	12	Scott Dixon		1:13.467
24	56	Bradley Dagnall		1:13.470
25	11	Carlos Sainz Jr		1:13.504
26	42	Davide Valsecchi		1:13.635

* demoted five places for changing engine/gearbox

Report:

For the first time since the 80s, Formula One has returned to the Low Countries. Zandvoort is the new home of the Dutch Grand Prix for the next five years. No doubt, the presence of a talented Dutch rookie has helped make this event possible and it has sold an impressive amounts of tickets, drawing a major crowd.

Regrettably, Max Verstappen is not in a car that can fight for wins on its own power. Therefore, smaller victories had to satisfy the fans. They saw Max overcome a mediocre start and overtake other drivers on his way to a finish in seventh position, four points which are crucial in Calinetic’s battle for a top spot in the WCC.

Further up front, we were witnesses of yet another close battle between the two Caterhams. However, they were not alone: unable to shake off Jules Bianchi, we had three potential winners. Sebastian Vettel went on to win in the end, mainly due to a superior strategic department and smooth lapping of slower cars.

Dave Cassidy completed the Precision 3-4, however, he had to work really hard for it: Pastor Maldonado drove a very good race, the Venezuelan was able to stay ahead of the American for the majority of the Grand Prix, only losing said position in the final round of stops before securing his place against Grosjean.

Race:

Pos	#	Driver	Constructor	Time/Retired	Points
1	1	Sebastian Vettel		46:46.577	17
2	2	Lewis Hamilton		+4.943	12
3	63	Jules Bianchi	+	+8.361	10
4	62	Dave Cassidy		+24.085	8
5	29	Pastor Maldonado		+29.650	6
6	28	Romain Grosjean		+31.818	5
7	91	Max Verstappen		+38.018	4
8	21	Stoffel Vandoorne		+38.391	3
9	27	Nathan McKane		+44.417	2
10	99	Kevin Magnussen		+48.368	1
11	22	Johnny Cecotto Jr.		+52.328	0
12	43	Sébastien Bourdais		+61.768	0
13	30	Mike Rockenfeller		+61.937	0
14	31	Rhys Davies		+62.389	0
15	67	Esteban Ocon		+65.430	0
16	56	Bradley Dagnall		+1 Lap	0
17	6	Ma Qinghua		+1 Lap	0
18	32	Daniel Melrose		+1 Lap	0
19	12	Scott Dixon		+1 Lap	0
20	66	Marcel Agyemang-Badu		+1 Lap	0
21	5	Valtteri Bottas		+1 Lap	0
22	42	Davide Valsecchi		+1 Lap	0
23	11	Carlos Sainz Jr.		+1 Lap	0
DNF	55	Artem Markelov		+1 Lap	0
DNF	90	Daniel Ricciardo		Accident	0
DNF	98	Salvatore Miccoli		Accident	0

Fastest Lap:

Sebastian Vettel – 1:11.317

Infinite Improbability Drive Of The Race:

Sébastien Bourdais – could not haul the inferior Valerian in the points, but drove impressively regardless.

Reject Of The Race:

Salvatore Miccoli – a silly driver error may come to cost him a shot at the top 4 in the championship.