What to expect from the 2023 F1 Dutch Grand Prix

How many drivers get a chance to equal an all-time record in front of their home Formula 1 fans?

That is the opportunity presenting itself to Max Verstappen at this weekends Dutch Grand Prix, which takes place for the third time since its return in 2021 at Zandvoort.

The usual sea of orange fans look set to populate the grandstands, as Verstappen emerges from the summer break on a win streak and on the way to a third title.

But it's not all just about the Dutchman in his dominant Red Bull machine, there are a number of talking points that will dominate the first weekend back in action.

Verstappen could equal Vettel Red Bull record

The last time Formula 1 saw such a dominant Red Bull was at the hands of Sebastian Vettel, who came back from the summer break in 2013 in impressive fashion.

Nine back-to-back victories sealed him his fourth and final title, which Verstappen looks like he could equal if he wins in front of his home crowd on Sunday.

The Dutchman has already broken one of Vettel's records at the Monaco Grand Prix earlier this year, when in taking his 39th F1 victory he became Red Bull's most successful driver.

You wonder just how many records he is going to break on the way to his third title?

Championship battle close behind Red Bull

Behind Red Bull there is a tight battle for second in the Constructors' Championship, after McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari managed to catch up to Aston Martin.

The bulk of the points scored by Aston Martin were by Fernando Alonso, after he finished on the podium six times in the 12 races so far. The Spaniard will need to keep up this consistency if he wants to secure their place, although they currently sit 51 points adrift of the silver arrows.

Further behind Alpine look to be in no-mans land on 57 points, with incumbent Team Principal Bruno Famin targeting at least a top five finish.

Then the battle gets closer between Williams and Haas for seventh, with the pair both on 11 points. Further back is Alfa Romeo on nine points, while AlphaTauri hope Daniel Ricciardo can change their fortunes as they sit last on three points.

Can McLaren continue their form?

The biggest surprise before the summer break was the resurgence of McLaren, whose 2023 season started off as one of the worst in the history of the team.

Now they have three podiums - including Oscar Piastri's Sprint performance in Belgium - and look set to challenge for more as both Piastri and Lando Norris exploit the true potential of their car.

McLaren is looking to copy Red Bull's DRS wing, which could give it the edge at the upcoming high speed circuits on the calendar.

Silly season takes hold

There are still seven places on the grid up for grabs, with numerous drivers yet to commit beyond the end of the 2023 season.

It is looking like the grid will largely end up being the same into 2024, but F1 has a funny way of throwing in curve balls.

Traditionally a rookie from feeder series F2 usually graduates, although that championship does not conclude until the final round in Abu Dhabi.

Either way, watch this space...

Protest threat

It looks increasingly likely that a protest could take place if a resolution between taxi drivers, local authorities, and Zandvoort organisers is not made.

A spokesperson for the municipality of Zandvoort told RacingNews365 that they would not issue any new permits, due to them being obtained illegally in the past.

Around 150 taxi drivers could be denied access to the area around the circuit, which could lead to disruption on the roads leading to the track over the Saturday and Sunday.