Overview

• McLaren had locked out the front row with Oscar Piastri on pole and Lando Norris alongside, entering Zandvoort separated by nine points in the standings.
• Lewis Hamilton crashed into the barriers on lap 23, retired on the spot, and triggered a Safety Car that undercut Ferrari’s strategy.
• Charles Leclerc later retired after contact from Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who was penalised 10 seconds for the incident.
• Max Verstappen finished second on home soil as rookie Isack Hadjar converted his surprise P4 start into third for his first F1 podium.
• FIA forecasts had teams preparing for changing conditions, but the day ultimately highlighted McLaren’s season-long control and Ferrari’s deepening struggles ahead of Monza.