Will there be more fireworks as F1 title rivals share front row again?

At Silverstone, the two main contenders in 2021 provided the most dramatic flashpoint of their title fight so far as they came together while battling hard for the lead on the opening lap.

The controversial incident left Verstappen requiring a trip to hospital following a massive 51G shunt, while Hamilton recovered from a time penalty to claim a fightback victory on home soil.

Now on Verstappen’s turf, the title rivals share the front row once again.

Verstappen delighted his 70,000 devoted fans by pipping Hamilton to pole position by just 0.038s in qualifying and set up the chance to reclaim the lead of the world championship for the first time since he led Hamilton into Copse.

The Dutchman trails Hamilton by just three points after being declared the winner of the abandoned Belgian Grand Prix and knows that victory in the Netherlands will take him back into the title lead, regardless of where Hamilton finishes.

With the drivers expecting overtaking to be extremely difficult around the tight and twisty Zandvoort circuit, there is added emphasis placed on what could end up being a crucial, race-defining blast down to Turn 1 and opening lap.

So will there be more early drama between Verstappen and Hamilton?

“I think like I said, everyone always tries to do their best right in the first lap to just try and gain a position or defend a position. Depends where you are at.”

When asked the same question, Hamilton replied: “Not much more to add.”

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes Hamilton and Verstappen will respect each other on track and race hard but fair and is not expecting a repeat of the “Silverstone incident”.

“I think the two protagonists will start side-by-side more often this season and I don’t think we can really assume that it will always end up in an incident,” Wolff said.

“They are both among the best ones and they know that every win counts. But they will do it fair and square, but hard.

“And I think, in a way, we need to stop referring to the Silverstone incident because we’re going to do this another five times this year when they’re standing side-by-side.”

Verstappen fighting on his own

Although Verstappen has taken the first step towards achieving a dream home victory with his pole lap, he might not have it all his own way in the race.

He will not have the support of Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez - who suffered a shock Q1 elimination - and will subsequently have to fend off a two-pronged Mercedes attack by himself. 

Verstappen could have a useful ally in the shape of Pierre Gasly if the AlphaTauri racer can propel himself ahead of Valtteri Bottas from fourth on the grid. 

Mercedes is determined to capitalise on Verstappen not having rear-gunner support and is ready to split strategies with its cars in its bid to deny Verstappen from winning on home soil.

“I think if we’re able to have the same pace in the race, again it’s going to be about survival on a one-stop,” Wolff told Sky.

“Max needs to make a decision. Is he going for a one-stop, or is he going for a two-stop? I think we can play both strategies tomorrow.

“We’ve seen that you can have two cars that can actually go totally different, and certainly, pitting one, undercutting, with massive pressure, then leaving the other out, can help you finish one and two.”

Meanwhile, Wolff’s opposite number Christian Horner insisted Red Bull will be solely focused on ensuring Verstappen beats Hamilton.

“We’ve just got to get our head down and get on with our own race,” he explained. “In a perfect world, we would drive away at the front. I just somehow think it's not going to be that simple.

“They have got two guys that they can split their options with. But the key guy we have to beat obviously is Lewis, so you have got to pick your fights.”

Verstappen may be favourite to become the first Dutch GP winner since 1985 after appearing to hold a pace advantage over Mercedes during the long runs on Friday, but there is still an unknown factor to consider.

Hamilton missed nearly all of Friday’s second practice session when an engine issue forced him to stop on track early on in FP2, meaning he has no reference of driving the circuit on heavy fuel.

Ultimately, the seven-time world champion is aware the race is likely to be decided by either the start or strategy.

“I haven't done any long-running, so I don't really know too much of what the track's like with heavy fuel,” Hamilton said. “I only have my reference from 2005 and I don't remember that! No doubt it's going to be tough tomorrow. 

“Max and his team were quicker than us I think on the long runs. It’s not a track that you can particularly overtake on, so it’s going to be down to strategy tomorrow and how you can utilise the tyres. The start will be fun.”