FIA announce last-minute change to F1 Dutch GP as warning issued ahead of race
The FIA have announced a change to the rules at the Dutch Grand Prix to help add more strategic opportunities to the race despite safety warnings being issued.
After a four-week summer break, F1 returns on Friday as the first practice sessions for the Dutch Grand Prix at the iconic Circuit Zandvoort get underway ahead of the race on Sunday.
Following the month long break, fans are eager to see the F1 gird back in action as the title race between Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri continues to excite.
However, recent races have been labelled as disappointing or boring by many fans, with some claiming that the results of qualifying on Saturday essentially 'spoils' the result for the main race.
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In order to combat this, the FIA have announced a last-minute change that has been implemented for the Dutch Grand Prix, despite the fact that safety warnings have been issued for the weekend.
Ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix getting underway on Thursday, the KNMI, the Dutch national weather forecasting service, have issued a code yellow thunderstorm warning for the entire country.
They have warned fans travelling to Zandvoort that they can expect heavy showers, strong winds, hail and thunderstorms that could arrive on short notice.
On Friday and the rest of the weekend there will reportedly be a mix of rain and occasional sunshine, with conditions for qualifying on Saturday expected to be the best.
Regardless of any weather warnings, the race this weekend will go ahead as planned, and the FIA have introduced a late rule change to ensure it's as exciting as possible.
FIA announce new rule specifically for the Dutch Grand Prix
Just days before the race weekend gets underway, F1's governing body, the FIA, announced that the 60 km/h (37.2 mph) pit lane speed limit will be increased to 80 km/h (49.7 mph).
The speed limit was introduced for safety reasons but has been altered specifically for the Dutch Grand Prix as the FIA believe it could create more strategic opportunities by reducing pit stop times.
Typically at Zandvoort, F1 teams prefer to use a one-stop strategy, but this change may tempt some to consider changing their plans and making a second stop during the race.
Ben McCrum