Wild Dutch GP weather forecast as rain threatens F1 return

Formula 1 returns this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, which kickstarts the second half of the 2024 season. 

With several drivers having enjoyed a sunny holiday during the three-week summer break, they are set to need their umbrellas in Zandvoort. 

The Dutch circuit hosts the 15th round of the season and is set to feature a constant change of weather, similar to last year.

Last season's Dutch GP was a chaotic affair which featured all five tyre compounds, as a result of two separate spells of heavy rain. In the end, Max Verstappen claimed a third consecutive home win.

Find the full forecast for this weekend below!

Full forecast

Starting off on Friday and there is a greater chance of rain during second practice than first practice, with strong gusts from the southwest up to 75 km/h also on the agenda for the drivers to deal with.

The weather for the entire weekend is very unpredictable due to the location of the circuit right on the coast, with some weather models suggesting that Friday could be entirely dry. 

Whether it is dry or wet, Friday will be the hottest day of the weekend with temperatures reaching 22 degrees Celsius.

On Saturday, there is a significantly greater risk of rain than on Friday, with the strong wind from the southwest also set to remain present. 

The exact timing of the rain is currently difficult to forecast, although the chance of a wet qualifying is high. Strong gusts of 60 km/h are expected whilst the temperature will struggle to reach 20 degrees Celsius. 

Rain on Sunday is not expected, with the sun expected to be shining brightly for the race but still no warmer than around 20 degrees Celsius. 

However, due to the wind and the location of the circuit, it is impossible to completely rule out rain.