F1 2026 Dutch Grand Prix: Norris Wins as Mercedes Secures Double Podium
Formula 1 returned from the summer break with an eventful 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Lando Norris claimed victory in the final Dutch Grand Prix at the circuit, while Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli finished second. George Russell completed the podium in third place, giving Mercedes a valuable double podium result.
One of the most dramatic moments of the race came on the opening lap. Max Verstappen, competing in his final home Dutch Grand Prix, crashed heavily and was forced to retire almost immediately.
Verstappen crashes on the opening lap
Air temperatures were measured at 17 degrees Celsius ahead of the race, while track temperatures reached 30 degrees. There was a 60 percent chance of rain, and several sections of the circuit appeared damp during the formation lap.
When the 72-lap race began, pole-sitter Lando Norris successfully held onto the lead through the first corner. Charles Leclerc also benefited from the early battles, overtaking Oscar Piastri.
However, the race was quickly interrupted by a major incident. Verstappen lost control of his car and crashed heavily into the barriers. His car suffered significant damage, bringing his final home Dutch Grand Prix to a dramatic end on the first lap.
A red flag was deployed, and the race was restarted around 20 minutes later. Oliver Bearman was also forced to retire after suffering a technical issue during the formation lap.
Antonelli takes the lead after the restart
There was a brief concern in the Mercedes garage when smoke was seen coming from Antonelli's brakes before the second start. Despite the issue, the young Italian was able to continue.
When the race restarted, Antonelli made a strong move against Norris and took the lead. Piastri also moved up to third after overtaking Russell.
Antonelli and Norris gradually pulled away from the rest of the field and began their own battle at the front. On lap seven, Antonelli set the fastest lap of the race with a 1:16.681 and extended his advantage to around two seconds.
Norris continued to pressure the Mercedes driver throughout the race, with the gap frequently falling below one second.
Strategy tension at Ferrari
Further back, Ferrari experienced several tense moments on team radio. Lewis Hamilton, running behind teammate Charles Leclerc, told the team that he was faster and had better tires, requesting a position change.
Leclerc was later called into the pits, but the timing of the stop frustrated both Ferrari drivers. Hamilton complained that the team had lost valuable time, while Leclerc also expressed his frustration with the strategy.
The lead changed hands several times as the pit-stop sequences developed. Hamilton briefly found himself in first place before Norris and Antonelli returned to the centre of the battle for victory.
Norris retakes the lead with decisive moves
The fight intensified around lap 49. Norris spent several laps applying pressure to Antonelli before making a decisive move around the outside at the first corner to take second place.
Soon after, Norris overtook race leader Hamilton to move into first place. Antonelli followed by passing Hamilton and returning to second.
A technical issue for Esteban Ocon later triggered a Virtual Safety Car period. During the following pit-stop sequence, Russell also moved into a strong position in the battle for the podium.
Russell holds off Hamilton
In the closing stages, Norris took complete control of the race. His advantage over Antonelli eventually grew to around 11 seconds.
The battle for third place provided much of the late drama. Russell came under intense pressure from Hamilton, who remained close behind and searched for an opportunity to attack.
On lap 69, Hamilton attempted a move down the inside at the first corner, but Russell defended successfully and retained his position.
A later collision between Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon left debris on the circuit, bringing out another brief Virtual Safety Car period. Once racing resumed, Russell once again kept Hamilton behind him.
Norris wins the final Dutch Grand Prix
Lando Norris took the chequered flag to win the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured second place, while George Russell completed the podium, giving Mercedes two drivers in the top three.
2026 Dutch Grand Prix Top Three:
- 🥇 Lando Norris
- 🥈 Andrea Kimi Antonelli
- 🥉 George Russell
Norris made a strong return from the summer break with an important victory, while Antonelli's impressive second-place finish was one of the key stories of the race. For Max Verstappen, however, his final home Dutch Grand Prix ended in heartbreak after a dramatic first-lap crash.
