Lando Norris delivered a commanding performance at the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday, securing back-to-back race victories. The British driver crossed the finish line 11.54 seconds ahead of runner-up Kimi Antonelli, marking a significant milestone for McLaren at Zandvoort. This triumph completes a hat-trick of successes for the team at this venue, following wins by Oscar Piastri last year and Norris himself in the previous season.
The 26-year-old expressed his satisfaction after the race, stating, “Let’s keep pushing.” His victory was particularly notable given his frustration during Saturday’s sprint race, where he had voiced concerns regarding his car’s lack of pace. Norris, now competing as a world champion, emerged victorious from a high-stakes battle that included title contender Antonelli and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.
The race was heavily impacted by an early incident involving local favorite Max Verstappen. On the opening lap, the four-time world champion lost control of his Red Bull while starting from seventh on the grid. His car struck the barriers and careened across the track, forcing an immediate halt to proceedings. Although the crash was a major blow to the “orange army” of Dutch fans, Verstappen was able to walk away from the wreckage, confirming over the radio that he was unharmed.
George Russell secured the final spot on the podium for Mercedes, successfully defending his position against a late-race surge from his teammate, Lewis Hamilton. The event at Zandvoort carries extra significance this year, as it marks the final time the Dutch Grand Prix will be held due to financial constraints faced by the promoters.
Historically, Verstappen had dominated the event since its return to the calendar in 2021, winning the first three editions. However, the tide has shifted in recent years, with McLaren securing victories in both 2024 and 2025. This year’s race continues a busy period for the sport, with F1 officials recently confirming the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for December, while tickets for the Bahrain F1 GP at Sepang have already sold out. Meanwhile, fans continue to celebrate the centenary of the British Grand Prix. The report also notes that let’s keep pushing,” said the delighted 26-year-old, who had cut a downbeat figure after finishing third in the sprint race on Saturday, complaining his McLaren lacked pace.