Round 15 of the 2024 Formula One World Championship heads to Circuit Zandvoort within the Netherlands this Sunday.
The 4.2-kilometer (2.5-mile) observe by the North Sea will problem drivers with its 72 laps.
Max Verstappen, the three-time world champion, dominates the motive force standings with 277 factors and 7 wins this season.
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, additionally a three-time champ, has secured two podium finishes.
Other race winners this yr embrace Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Charles Leclerc, and George Russell, every with one victory.
In a current interview, Hamilton expressed robust help for introducing a Formula One race in Africa. “It’s time we add an African Grand Prix,” Hamilton declared. “Africa is overlooked while the world benefits from it. We need to showcase its greatness and boost tourism.”
Hamilton, who has visited Africa in the course of the sport’s August break, is actively working behind the scenes with Rwanda and South Africa to carry a race to the continent.
Formula One has eyed a return to Africa since Kyalami in South Africa final hosted a race in 1993. Discussions are ongoing, with Rwanda expressing curiosity in internet hosting a race at a yet-to-be-built circuit. “Rwanda is one of my favorite places,” Hamilton shared. “I’m in talks with people there and in South Africa about making this happen.”
McLaren’s Lando Norris, at present Verstappen’s closest rival within the standings, admitted his season has not lived as much as championship expectations.
With 199 factors, Norris trails Verstappen by 78. “I haven’t performed at a world champion level,” he stated.
Despite his frustrations, Norris stays hopeful, citing McLaren’s current automotive upgrades and his perception that each championships are nonetheless inside attain.
Norris, who secured his first F1 win in Miami, has since confronted challenges, together with a disappointing efficiency on the Belgian Grand Prix the place Verstappen, ranging from eleventh, completed forward of Norris, who began fourth.
However, Norris believes in his potential to rebound and stay aggressive.
The driver standings are led by Verstappen with 277 factors, adopted by Norris at 199.
Charles Leclerc holds 177 factors, Oscar Piastri 167, and Carlos Sainz 162.
In the constructor standings, Red Bull leads with 408 factors, McLaren follows at 366, Ferrari at 345, Mercedes at 266, and Aston Martin at 73.
Source: www.dailysabah.com