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The story behind Verstappen’s unique Nürburgring Mercedes setup

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The story behind Verstappen’s unique Nürburgring Mercedes setup

How Williams aims to reach "a sensible position" in F1 2026 after double-score Miami

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How Williams aims to reach "a sensible position" in F1 2026 after double-score Miami

Why Verstappen's preparations have left GT rivals in awe

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Nurburgring 24 Hours: Verstappen to start debut from fourth, Lamborghini takes 1-2 in qualifying

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Nurburgring 24 Hours: Verstappen to start debut from fourth, Lamborghini takes 1-2 in qualifying

Former FIA aero chief officially joins Alpine in senior F1 role

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Former FIA aero chief officially joins Alpine in senior F1 role

Remembering a lost Italian F1 hero 40 years on

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Remembering a lost Italian F1 hero 40 years on

Pramac Yamaha set to sign Guevara for the 2027 MotoGP season

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Pramac Yamaha set to sign Guevara for the 2027 MotoGP season

Nurburgring 24 Hours: Verstappen qualifies for pole shootout with sixth in TQ2

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Nurburgring 24 Hours: Verstappen qualifies for pole shootout with sixth in TQ2

Could Mercedes have beaten Verstappen to Dutch GP victory?

Max Verstappen’s march to the Formula 1 title continued with his 10th victory of the season in Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix - but it was not a race he won easily.

After being pushed hard by Ferrari in qualifying, it was Mercedes who emerged as Red Bull’s closest contender on race day with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell showing great pace.

But some late strategy calls left Hamilton fuming over the radio after Mercedes kept him out during the safety car, leaving him powerless to stop Verstappen from passing him on the restart for the lead.

So why did Mercedes not pit Hamilton, and did it stand any chance of beating Verstappen and Red Bull to the win this weekend?

Explaining Mercedes’ strategy and thinking, Autosport F1 reporter Luke Smith is joined by Motorsport.com F1 editor Jonathan Noble for the latest edition of Paddock Packdown from Zandvoort.

 

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