Overview

• The season resumes at the Dutch Grand Prix with Oscar Piastri leading Lando Norris by nine points after McLaren dominated the first half.
• Max Verstappen sits roughly 97 points off the lead with two wins in 2025, entering his home race as a fan favorite but not the pre-race favorite despite three prior Zandvoort victories and a 2024 runner-up finish.
• Verstappen says Red Bull’s RB21 is less competitive at low- and medium-speed corners and does not expect Zandvoort to be one of the team’s stronger venues.
• Analysts warn Red Bull faces a run of potential ‘bogey’ tracks next, highlighting Monza, Singapore and Baku as likely tests for the RB21’s cornering deficit.
• Changeable forecasts point to rain across the weekend at a narrow, qualifying-sensitive circuit, increasing the chance of strategy shake-ups; the race is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 31 (2 p.m. UK, 9 a.m. ET) with coverage on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN in the US.