Lando Norris achieved a remarkable third consecutive Dutch Grand Prix triumph for McLaren on Sunday, in a race marked by dramatic twists and a temporary suspension following a first-lap crash involving local favorite Max Verstappen. Norris, who started from pole position, had to reclaim the lead after losing it to Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli during the restart. This victory follows his recent success in Hungary, reinforcing his status as reigning world champion.
Mercedes’ championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished in second place, while his teammate George Russell, following team orders, allowed Antonelli to pass late in the race. Russell then managed to fend off Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton to secure the final podium spot.
The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort bid farewell to Formula One with a vibrant ‘Final Lap’ celebration. The seaside circuit, nestled in the dunes along the North Sea, has been a fan favorite since its return in 2021 after a 36-year hiatus. Tens of thousands of enthusiastic supporters, known as the ‘Orange Army,’ filled the grandstands and streets, creating an electric atmosphere late into the evening.
Organizers had announced in 2024 that the 2026 race would mark the end of the event due to financial considerations. Four-time world champion Verstappen, who dominated the first three editions from pole, expressed his sadness at the loss of the circuit, praising its unique driving experience and the passionate home crowd.
Zandvoort’s history dates back to 1952, hosting its 36th Dutch Grand Prix this year. The track is known for its narrow, twisty layout with 14 corners, including the iconic Tarzan corner—named after a local man who traded his vegetable garden for naming rights—and the distinctive banked Hugenholtz curve. Verstappen described it as one of the most rewarding and characterful circuits on the calendar, contrasting it with newer tracks lacking similar charm.
Norris, who has Belgian heritage and enjoys strong local support, lamented the circuit’s departure, highlighting the event’s vibrant atmosphere fueled by techno music and energetic DJs. He emphasized the value of smaller races with passionate fans, stating that if drivers had the choice, they would prefer to keep Zandvoort on the calendar.
Notably, Zandvoort remains one of the few circuits where seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has not won in Formula One, though he holds fond memories from his junior racing days. Hamilton praised the circuit’s atmosphere and the incredible support for Verstappen throughout the weekend.
Jan Lammers, a former racer and the grand prix’s sporting director who grew up in Zandvoort, reflected on the initial skepticism about reviving the race. He celebrated the event’s success, describing the overwhelming turnout of fans and the iconic orange-filled grandstands against the backdrop of dunes and sea. Lammers noted that the Dutch Grand Prix had grown beyond a race to become a global spectacle, attracting nearly two million visitors over its recent editions.
