Image source: Getty Images
Dutch Grand Prix
2026 Formula 1 World Championship
Circuit Zandvoort, Netherlands
Sunday 23 August, 14:00
McLaren head to Circuit Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday 23 August with contrasting ambitions for their two drivers. Reigning world champion Lando Norris arrives on a high after winning the Hungarian Grand Prix, while Oscar Piastri is desperate to turn a frustrating season into a stronger second half.
Norris sits fifth in the championship on 218 points, just one behind Lewis Hamilton and only 50 adrift of leader Kimi Antonelli. His victory in Hungary was his first since the British Grand Prix last year and provided an important reminder that the reigning champion remains firmly in the title fight.
Piastri, meanwhile, is seventh on 92 points and has managed just two podium finishes this season. McLaren are third in the constructors’ standings on 220 points, 159 behind Mercedes, meaning a significant improvement from both drivers is needed if they are to defend their teams’ crown.
Norris knows the key to staying competitive is adapting constantly to an unpredictable car and field. “Every single race I come into at the minute, I feel like I have to completely forget the last weekend and learn how to drive a new car, because that's how it is for us.” He added: “Every driver is different. But for me, my whole career in F1 has been about how I can change my driving style every season.”
For Piastri, the target is clear: extract more from a package that has not consistently delivered the performance McLaren expected. “I think our kind of general level of performance has not been quite where we want it to be, obviously,” he said. “We’ve come close to some victories and had a few podiums, which has been good, but we obviously set the bar pretty high last year.”
Zandvoort therefore represents an important opportunity. Norris can build on his Hungarian breakthrough and close further on Antonelli, while Piastri needs a strong result to re-establish himself as a regular front-runner. With both drivers searching for more, McLaren’s response after the summer break could shape the remainder of their season.
Drivers’ Championship standings (top five)
1 – Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 219 points
2 – Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 169
3 – George Russell (Mercedes) – 160
4 – Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 138
5 – Lando Norris (McLaren) – 218
Constructors’ Championship standings (top five)
1 – Mercedes – 379 points
2 – Ferrari – 307
3 – McLaren – 220
4 – Red Bull Racing – 177
5 – Racing Bulls – 66
2025 Dutch Grand Prix podium
1 – Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
2 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
3 – Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
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