Pirelli offered 'unusual challenge' in F1 return

After a three-week break, Formula 1 returns this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix to kickstart the second half of the 2024 season. 

The Dutch GP held at Zandvoort returned to the calendar in 2021 and has been won by home driver Max Verstappen every season since its comeback. 

In its F1 history dating back to 1952, the unique Zandvoort circuit has hosted all 33 editions of the Dutch GP, with Jim Clark having won the event four times.

Verstappen can match that record this weekend, although will need to come out best in a likely battle against McLaren, Mercedes and potentially even Ferrari.

Pirelli tyre choice

Zandvoort offers Pirelli an 'unusual challenge' due to its banked corners. The circuit might only consist of 14 turns and cover 4.259 kilometres but it presents a problem for all the teams. 

The banked Turn 3 and 14 cause an issue for Pirelli, as the steep corners are attacked at a higher speed than a traditional turn, putting additional force on the tyres. Both corners are steeper than the turns in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 

As a result, Pirelli has once again taken its three hardest slick compounds, meaning the hard tyre will be the C1, the medium the C2 and the red-walled soft the C3. 

Some rain is possible, so the intermediate and wet compounds could be used. Every compound of tyre was used in last season's race, which featured a staggering 82 pit stops. 

It is very difficult to overtake in Zandvoort, with a one-stop strategy being expected by Pirelli is conditions are stable. 

Should it be hot then the hard compound could be preferred, otherwise expect to see the medium and soft tyres being used several times.

Cooler temperatures make the soft tyre very useable, with Lewis Hamilton having been the only driver last season not to start the race on the softest compound.