WATCH: Throwback to Sergio Perez's dramatic charge from P14 to P1 in rain, but misses podium at 2023 Dutch GP

Formula 1 is set to make a comeback after the summer break for the Dutch Grand Prix 2024. Let’s recall the iconic run by Sergio Perez in the 2023 season at the Zandvoort circuit. In a thrilling and unpredictable race at Zandvoort in 2023, Perez showcased exceptional driving skills and strategic brilliance that left fans and pundits alike in awe.

The Dutch Grand Prix was defined by ever-changing weather conditions that played a significant role throughout the weekend. Yet, amidst the chaos, the Red Bull team demonstrated remarkable composure and strategy, particularly in how Checo capitalized on the rain to deliver one of the most memorable performances of the season.

Qualifying on Saturday was already a tense affair, with the session being interrupted by a red flag following Charles Leclerc's crash. Max Verstappen, Checo's teammate, was in P3 with just four minutes left on the clock. When the session resumed, Checo was the first to hit the track, while Max, taking a different approach, went for a single fast lap. This strategy paid off as Max delivered a blistering time of 1:10.567, securing his eighth pole position of the season.

However, Sunday's race was where Checo truly shone. Starting from P7, Checo made a bold decision at the first sign of rain—he was the first to dive into the pits for intermediate tyres. While many drivers gambled on staying out on slicks, Checo's early switch to inters proved to be the right call.

Here is the video:

P14 to P1 in the space of one lap 😵‍💫@SChecoPerez sliced through the traffic on his intermediates last year as the rain fell 😮‍💨#F1 #DutchGP @redbullracing pic.twitter.com/tFJWn4G1Sj

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 20, 2024

Rejoining the track in P14, he began an incredible charge through the field. In less than a lap, Checo overtook 14 cars, seizing the lead by the end of the second lap and building a significant 11-second gap to P2. It was a masterclass in wet-weather driving and quick decision-making.

A poor pit lane drama haunted Sergio Perez

However, the race was far from straightforward. On lap 61, as rain began to fall again, Checo decided to pit for a fresh set of intermediates. Unfortunately, the pit crew wasn’t ready, resulting in a costly 10.9-second pit stop.

Despite the setback, Checo rejoined P4 and quickly returned to P2. As the rain intensified, he slipped to P3, but his troubles didn’t end there. A five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane ultimately demoted him to P4, a frustrating end to a stellar drive.

Despite missing out on the podium, Checo’s performance at Zandvoort was nothing short of spectacular. His ability to read the conditions and make the right calls under pressure, overtaking 14 cars in less than a lap, showcased his exceptional talent and the importance of strategy in Formula 1.