Oscar Piastri took a commanding win at the Dutch Grand Prix to open up a 34-point lead in the championship, while his McLaren teammate and closest rival Lando Norris suffered a devastating DNF just seven laps from the finish.
Piastri’s performance at Zandvoort was flawless, controlling the race from pole through changing conditions and multiple safety car restarts. The 24-year-old Australian never looked under threat, displaying the composure that has become his hallmark.
Norris, however, endured heartbreak. Running second and keeping the pressure on Piastri, his car suddenly began smoking before grinding to a halt with an oil leak. Forced to retire, the Briton sat dejected on the dunes, helmet still on, his title hopes dented by what he admitted was “just not my weekend.”
The result leaves Norris with a steep climb in the standings as Formula 1 heads to Monza next weekend.
Lewis Hamilton’s day also ended in frustration. On his Ferrari debut season, the seven-time champion lost control in damp conditions on lap 21 and crashed into the barriers. Though disappointed, Hamilton insisted he felt progress had been made and vowed to bounce back at Ferrari’s home race.
Behind Piastri, Max Verstappen salvaged second for Red Bull, while rookie Isack Hadjar claimed a brilliant maiden podium in third for Racing Bulls. George Russell finished fourth for Mercedes, with Alex Albon fifth for Williams.
The result marks a pivotal moment in the championship battle, with Piastri seizing momentum as Norris faces the biggest challenge of his young career.
