Drama in Zandvoort: Norris Retires, Piastri Takes Commanding F1 Title Lead
The 2025 Dutch Grand Prix delivered high-stakes drama as Oscar Piastri cruised to victory for McLaren, while teammate Lando Norris suffered a heartbreaking retirement just five laps from the finish.
Norris, who had been trailing Piastri throughout the race and pressuring for the lead, was forced to retire due to a mechanical failure, gifting the Australian a crucial 25 points in the Formula 1 World Championship standings.
With just nine races remaining, Piastri now holds a commanding 34-point lead over Norris in the drivers' title race — a major turning point in what had been a tightly contested battle between the McLaren duo.
Double DNF for Ferrari, Hamilton Crashes Out
It was a disastrous day for Scuderia Ferrari, with both drivers failing to finish. Veteran Lewis Hamilton, in his Ferrari debut season, slid off the track during the middle stint of the race and retired — a rare unforced error from the seven-time world champion.
Charles Leclerc was the second casualty for the Italian outfit, spinning into the gravel after contact with rookie Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes, who misjudged an overtaking move going into Turn 7. The incident is currently under investigation by the stewards.
Podium Finishers: Verstappen Second, Ajar Shines for Racing Bulls
Max Verstappen gave the Dutch fans something to cheer for as he brought his Red Bull home in P2, but it was clear the reigning world champion didn’t have the pace to match Piastri on home soil.
The surprise of the day came from Isack Hadjar, who secured his first-ever F1 podium with a sensational third-place finish for Racing Bulls. The young Frenchman delivered a faultless performance and capitalized on retirements ahead of him to score a breakthrough result in just his debut season.
