Alex and Logan speak ahead of Zandvoort

We’re all set for the first race back after the summer break as we travel to Zandvoort for this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix.

Formula 1 returns with a double-header, with a 1,000km+ road trip south to Monza to conclude the European leg of the 2023 season.

Ahead of the action at the Circuit Zandvoort, let’s see what Alex Albon, Logan Sargeant and Dave Robson have to say.

With 11 points under his belt from the first half of the season, Albono is understandably excited to get back racing after the summer shutdown.

However, he knows that Saturday might well be the most important day this weekend on the Dutch dunes.

“It's been nice to have the summer break but I'm looking forward to getting back into the season,” Alex shared.

“Zandvoort is quite an intense race to return to, being quite a tricky and technical circuit with not much room for error, however it's still a very fun track to drive, so I'm looking forward to it.

“Qualifying is going to be more important than the race I think, as overtaking is quite difficult around there.

“It's always fun going to Zandvoort as the fans have a lot of energy so it makes for a good atmosphere.”

Logan has also experienced this undulating track, with the young American tackling Zandvoort in Formula 2 last season.

“I'm so excited to be getting back in the car this weekend,” Sarge said.

“Zandvoort is a great track with a great atmosphere thanks to the fans.

“Hopefully we can hit the ground running coming off of the summer break.”

Finally, our Head of Vehicle Performance Dave Robson commented on this unique double-header and the challenges it presents given Zandvoort and Monza are both completely contrasting circuit styles.

“After a short break we are very keen to get racing again,” he began.

“The back to back races in Zandvoort and Monza, which start the second half of the season, are a fascinating pairing.

“Monza is a low downforce circuit, hosts the second ATA [Alternative Tyre Allocation] event of 2023, and will use the softest of the Pirelli tyre compounds.

“In stark contrast, this weekend is a standard event on the short, twisty Zandvoort track with the hardest of the Pirelli tyre compounds.

“The Zandvoort circuit sits right on the coast but is mostly sheltered by the surrounding dunes. The circuit is characterised by heavy banking in several corners, including the final corner, which contains a section of DRS deployment.

“The overall layout and placement of the kerbs can lead to car damage and the drivers will need to be mindful of the risk-reward trade at this track.

“The circuit places a heavy demand on the tyres and therefore we have some of the hardest compounds available, which should work well here, especially if the track is hot.

“Overtaking is difficult and so there is a premium on race strategy and suitable management of the tyres.

“The FW45 worked quite well in Hungary and we will be looking to build on that experience to help consolidate our World Championship position.”