ZANDVOORT, Netherlands — Lando Norris overcame a poor start to win the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday and become the first driver to beat Max Verstappen at the champion’s home race, as well as taking another bite out of Verstappen’s standings lead.
Norris started on pole position but was slow off the line, allowing Red Bull driver Verstappen to jump ahead.
Norris closed the gap and overtook Verstappen into the opening corner on the 18th lap of 72 and was then on course for his second career win and the McLaren team’s third of the year.
“It feels amazing,” he said. “The pace was very strong, the car was unbelievable today.”
Verstappen saw his lead over Norris cut from 78 points to 70 with nine races remaining.
After losing the lead at the start, “I expected Max to start pushing and get a bit of a gap but he never did,” Norris said.
“So from that point I knew we were in with a good fight. But he seemed to just keep dropping off and my pace was getting better. It’s a nice feeling inside the car and especially when I got past, I could just get comfortable.”
Verstappen finished second and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was third after holding off Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri.
Verstappen is without a win in five races, his longest winless run since 2020, and loses his record as the only driver to win at the Dutch Grand Prix since it returned to the F1 schedule in 2021.
“We tried everything we could today,” Verstappen said. “I think it was quite clear that we’re not quick enough, so I tried to be second today.”
Norris is the first McLaren driver to win in the Netherlands since Niki Lauda in 1985.
Carlos Sainz Jr. was fifth for Ferrari and Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez was sixth, ahead of the two Mercedes of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
Pierre Gasly was ninth for Alpine and Fernando Alonso 10th in an Aston Martin.
In a thrilling race at the Dutch Grand Prix, Lando Norris emerged victorious, narrowing the standings gap with championship leader Max Verstappen. The McLaren driver put on a masterful performance, showcasing his skill and determination on the iconic Circuit Zandvoort.
Norris started the race from pole position, his first-ever in Formula 1, and managed to hold off the fierce competition from Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton throughout the 72-lap race. Despite facing pressure from the Red Bull and Mercedes drivers, Norris maintained his composure and delivered a flawless drive to claim his third career victory.
The win not only solidified Norris’s status as a rising star in Formula 1 but also closed the gap in the championship standings with Verstappen. With this victory, Norris now sits just a few points behind the Dutch driver, setting the stage for an exciting battle in the remaining races of the season.
The Dutch Grand Prix was a significant moment for McLaren as well, as it marked their first win since 2012. The team’s resurgence in recent years has been impressive, with Norris and teammate Daniel Ricciardo consistently delivering strong performances and challenging the front-runners.
As the season heads into its final stretch, all eyes will be on Norris and Verstappen as they continue to fight for the championship title. With just a few races left, every point will be crucial in determining the ultimate winner. Fans can expect more thrilling battles and intense competition as the drivers push themselves to the limit in pursuit of glory.
Overall, Lando Norris’s victory at the Dutch Grand Prix was a testament to his talent and determination. With his impressive performance, he has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in Formula 1 and has set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season.