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Lando Norris wins in Zandvoort as Verstappen crashes and Antonelli extends title lead

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Nigora Umarova
Nigora Umarova
International Department Journalist
Formula 1 Sport
The race was turned on its head once again when Esteban Ocon stopped his Haas on track
Norris wins in Zandvoort as Verstappen crashes and Antonelli extends title lead

Lando Norris secured his second consecutive victory for McLaren after navigating a dramatic rain-affected Dutch Grand Prix. The Briton held off a late charge from Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli who extended his championship lead by 59 points on an afternoon defined by complex tyre strategies, multiple Virtual Safety Car periods and a heavy crash for home favourite Max Verstappen.

Read more: Norris snatches Zandvoort pole from Russell in rain-threatened shootout

Verstappen crashes out of his home race

A late rain shower moments before lights out completely altered the complexion of the race. While the entire grid opted for slick tyres the track remained damp in crucial zones. Norris struggled off the line and instantly lost his pole advantage to Antonelli.

However the most significant drama occurred on the second lap. Navigating the treacherous final corner, Verstappen dipped a wheel onto a damp white line and suffered a massive rear-end snap. His Red Bull slammed violently into the barriers to trigger an immediate red flag. The orange-clad crowd breathed a collective sigh of relief as the three-time Zandvoort winner walked away unharmed from the heavy impact.

Gabriel Bortoleto of Audi also suffered a spin on the same lap.

Complex tyre strategies decide the lead

When the race resumed with a standing start a fascinating strategic battle unfolded at the front. Antonelli led on the medium compound while Norris chased on the softs.

Both drivers eventually transitioned to hard tyres but McLaren opted for a significant offset. Norris ran a longer middle stint to secure much fresher rubber for the final phase of the Grand Prix.

The tyre advantage paid dividends. By lap 54 Norris had hunted down both Antonelli and a long-running Lewis Hamilton to reclaim the race lead on absolute merit.

VSC interventions and Mercedes team orders

The race was turned on its head once again when Esteban Ocon stopped his Haas on track to trigger a Virtual Safety Car. Mercedes used the opportunity to pit Antonelli for a fresh set of soft tyres while Norris committed to staying out on his older hards.

Emerging behind his teammate George Russell after a sluggish 4.6-second stop, Antonelli was swiftly waved through via team orders to hunt down the McLaren. Despite setting blistering lap times the young Italian simply ran out of laps and had to settle for second place.

Norris wins in Zandvoort as Verstappen crashes and Antonelli extends title lead

A second brief VSC for Williams debris on lap 70 neutralised the intense battle for the final podium spot. The pause gave Russell just enough breathing room to fend off a charging Hamilton and Charles Leclerc on the final lap. By finishing second ahead of Russell in third and Hamilton in fourth, Antonelli crucially extended his commanding advantage in the drivers’ standings.

Alonso shines as Tsunoda narrowly misses out

Further down the order the midfield provided constant entertainment. Fernando Alonso executed a masterful two-stop strategy to cross the line in a brilliant ninth place and secure valuable points for Aston Martin.

Yuki Tsunoda also impressed in his unexpected return to the Racing Bulls seat. The Japanese driver was embroiled in fierce battles with Pierre Gasly and Nico Hulkenberg throughout the afternoon.

Despite pulling off several sensational overtakes he missed out on the points after his 24-lap old soft tyres faded in the closing stages to leave him in 11th place.

Read more: Norris secures first win of 2026 season in Hungarian Grand Prix

Race Results (Top 10)

  1. Lando Norris (McLaren)
  2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
  3. George Russell (Mercedes)
  4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
  5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
  6. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
  7. Liam Lawson (Red Bull Racing)
  8. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)
  9. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
  10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
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