In a thrilling turn of events at the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday, McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed a commanding victory, ending Max Verstappen’s unbeaten home record and securing the second win of his Formula One career. Norris’s triumph breathes new life into the championship chase, narrowing the points gap between him and Verstappen.
Red Bull’s three-time world champion Verstappen, who had seized the lead at the start, finished 22.896 seconds behind Norris after being overtaken on the 18th of the 72 laps. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc crossed the line in third place, rising from a sixth-place start.
This race marked the first time since the Dutch Grand Prix returned to the calendar in 2021 that Verstappen did not clinch victory at Zandvoort. The once-dominant driver’s losing streak has now extended to five races this season.
With this win, Norris has reduced Verstappen’s lead to 70 points after 15 of the record 24 races scheduled this season. McLaren also trimmed Red Bull’s advantage in the constructors’ championship to 30 points, signaling a shift in the competitive landscape.
“It feels amazing,” Norris exclaimed. “I wouldn’t say a perfect race, because of lap one again, but afterwards it was beautiful. The pace was very strong, the car was unbelievable.”
Norris, who earned his first win in Miami in May, started from pole position for the fourth time in his career. Racing on the breezy Dutch coast, in front of Verstappen’s passionate “Orange Army” of fans, he converted his qualifying advantage into a decisive victory for the first time.
“I could push and get past Max, which was the main thing, and just go from there,” Norris reflected. “So quite a straightforward race. Still tough but very enjoyable.”
In a nod to his rival, Norris provocatively radioed “Simply lovely,” echoing Verstappen’s usual catchphrase.
Reference(s):
F1: Norris ends Verstappen's unbeaten home run with win at Dutch GP
cgtn.com
