F1 2022 Dutch GP Preview

Formula 1 is returning to Netherlands after an entertaining Belgian GP, and it perhaps couldn't be a better scenario for the Orange Army, as Max Verstappen leads the F1 World Driver's Championship by 93 points. With just 8 races left on the calendar, Verstappen looks to be on his way for his second crown in a row, following a thrilling all-season-long duel with Lewis Hamilton in 2021. Not only has Verstappen won the last Dutch GP - his first ever home race - he also won the Belgian GP by over 17 seconds, despite starting in P14. This means that there's no dodging the fact that Verstappen already has one hand on the Dutch GP trophy even before the Free Practice sessions get underway.

However, it won't be as straightforward for Max, as the track layout is more suited for Ferrari & Mercedes than the Red Bull car. With just 21 points separating Sergio Perez in second and George Russel in fifth in the championship, the Dutch GP result may cause a stir in the driver standings, as 4 drivers are still very much in the battle for second place. Post Lewis Hamilton's collision with Fernando Alonso and subsequent retirement from the Belgian GP race, the Brit is now 24 points behind his teammate, and to get back in the fight for second, Hamilton will have to generate a Hamilton-esque miracle.

Leclerc has dropped down to P3 in the driver's championship.

While Verstappen is the talk of the town, Ferrari certainly hasn't escaped the limelight. The Italian team's recurring mistakes has put it significantly behind in the title fight, and it seems as though the team is unable to set a foot right. Leclerc is already down in P3 in the championship, and Ferrari could lose its second place to Mercedes in the constructor's championship too, as the gap between them is only 41 points. The Dutch GP could be a turning point for either of the teams as they're both well suited for the track, and it will be interesting to see if Ferrari can withstand the pressure from Mercedes.

Mercedes is only 41 points behind Ferrari.

The driver market has been dynamic over the last few weeks to say the least. Sebastian Vettel's retirement triggered a domino effect which has now seen Ricciardo announce that he will be leaving McLaren at the end of the 2022 season. Multiple futures are uncertain right now, but it looks like 2021 Formula 2 Champion Oscar Piastri will take over the McLaren seat. Fernando Alonso has announced that he's joining Aston Martin on a multi-year deal, and the Alpine seat may see Daniel Ricciardo in it, despite his exit from the team a couple of years ago. If he doesn't return, there's a possibility that Pierre Gasly may take over at Alpine, even though Alpine driver Esteban Ocon is really pushing to get Mick Schumacher in the second seat. With multiple seats still open and many big names floating around in the driver market, we will have to wait and see how things pan out.

Formula 2 champion Piastri could soon join McLaren.

Schedule for the 2022 Dutch GP:

2022 Formula 1 World Driver's Championship Standings After Round 14 - Belgian GP

2022 Formula 1 World Constructor's Championship Standings After Round 14 - Belgian GP