Five takeaways: Dutch Grand Prix
- Elaina Russell
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
Written by Elaina Russell
The 2025 Dutch Grand Prix had everything: a title leader tightening his grip, a rookie breaking through, Ferrari crumbling again, and a home hero finding his place on the podium. Zandvoort may soon be leaving the calendar, but its penultimate showing reminded fans why the seaside circuit matters.
Here are five key takeaways from race day in the Netherlands:
Piastri cements his championship credentials
Oscar Piastri extended his championship lead with another commanding win, his seventh of the season, showing once again why he has emerged as the title favourite. With McLaren teammate Lando Norris retired with a chassis issue, it was Piastri that came out victorious under mixed conditions.
“Nothing I could have done,” Norris said of the retirement, a reminder of the fine margins that can undo even the strongest campaigns. For Piastri, however, consistency has been the hallmark–he remains the only driver to score in every round this season, and his advantage over Norris is looking increasingly decisive. With calm racecraft and near-perfect qualifying form, Piastri has quietly built one of the most complete title bids of recent years.
Hadjar delivers a fairytale maiden podium
Zandvoort was a breakthrough moment for Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar. The Frenchman qualified fourth and converted it into his very first Formula One podium, finishing third. Benefiting from Norris’ retirement, Hadjar nonetheless showed composure under pressure, holding his ground against seasoned rivals to secure a career-defining result.
“To cross the line third is just unreal,” Hadjar reflected after the celebrations. The podium has fuelled speculation about a possible promotion to Red Bull, though questions remain over whether a move so soon would be the best for his long-term development.
Teammate Liam Lawson was unlucky not to join him in the points after a collision with Carlos Sainz left him with damage that dropped him to twelfth.
Verstappen shines in front of home fans
“So to be in second, I think is a really, really good achievement for us,” Verstappen said afterwards. For the Dutchman, the finish marked what will likely be his final home podium with the number '1' on his car before reverting to his iconic 33 next season. Fitting, then, that he gave his fans a reason to roar one last time.
Ferrari’s nightmare continues
For Ferrari, the Dutch Grand Prix was another gut punch in a season full of them. Both drivers failed to finish. Lewis Hamilton’s crash in light rain marked his first DNF with the team, while Charles Leclerc was swept from the field in a clash with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli.
The double-DNF underscored Ferrari’s inability to mount a credible challenge to McLaren. The frustration is mounting in Maranello, especially with Hamilton still searching for a breakthrough performance. Next though, is Monza, where Hamilton shares the all-time win record with Michael Schumacher. The Tifosi will demand response, but McLaren’s stronghold leaves little room for redemption.
Antonelli shows both promise and peril
Kimi Antonelli’s season has been a study in contrasts, and Zandvoort captured both sides of his rookie year thus far. The Mercedes youngster showed resilience with a spirited recovery drive, but also collected penalties for aggression against Leclerc and a pitlane speeding infringement.
Flashes of brilliance in Miami and Canada have convinced Mercedes of his talent, yet mistakes in Austria and now the Netherlands highlight the steep learning curve of Formula One. For Toto Wolff’s team, patience will be key: Antonelli has the speed, but experience cannot be rushed.
Looking ahead
Zandvoort’s penultimate outing on the calendar reminded fans of its unique atmosphere: a festival of orange smoke, banking, and old-school challenge. But it also showed why the circuit has often been labelled processional, with real drama oftentimes coming from weather, errors, and strategy.
For Piastri, the title road is clearing. For Norris, Monza is a must-win. Ferrari are under siege, Verstappen is fighting to salvage Red Bull’s season, and Hadjar’s breakthrough could reshape the midfield. With nine races to go, the Dutch Grand Prix may be remembered as the weekend when the 2025 championship picture crystallised.
