F1 returns this weekend after its mandatory three-week summer shutdown, with drivers and teams eager to build momentum at the Dutch GP in Zandvoort.
The first half of the season despite the dominance of McLaren contained twists and turns to rival a movie franchise. From Red Bull’s implosion, Christian Horner’s departure, Hamilton’s Ferrari nightmare and rookies wanting to start their F1 legacy, F1 has it all in 2025.
Zandvoort, like Hungary, is a challenging, technical circuit. The 2.6 mile track encompasses 14 corners, with passing difficult. But Turn 1 and the banked Turn 3 offer overtaking opportunities to those brave enough to attempt a pass around the outside of a rival.
As F1 returns this weekend at the Dutch GP at Zandvoort, here are the biggest stories ahead of what promises to be a blockbuster weekend.
Oscar Piastri vs Lando Norris: Who will sway the psychological pendulum?
Oscar Piastri currently leads the battle for McLaren supremacy 6-5 in terms of wins. The gap between him and Norris is now a mere eight points as F1 returns.
Norris started to build momentum ahead of the summer break, taking a hard-earned win in Hungary. Piastri, for the first time all season, showed cracks in his armour.
After his penalty at the British GP, and an attempted move on Norris in the closing stages of Hungary almost ending in disaster, the Australian needs to return to his calm, methodical race weekend execution.
Looking at which McLaren will leave Zandvoort with the upper hand, last season puts the advantage with Norris. The race was one of opposites for the papaya duo. Norris dominated, despite losing the lead at lights out to Verstappen. Moving past the Red Bull in the early stages, he set off into the distance, winning by a staggering 22 seconds.
Piastri, meanwhile, failed to match his pace, and finished a distant fourth, 27 seconds behind his team-mate.
Regardless of who wins, the stakes are high. Ten races remain, and only one can be world champion. Both want it, and the Dutch GP will set the precedent and tone for the rest of the season.
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari: Hitting the reset button?
To call Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton’s first 14 races together a disappointment would be somewhat of an understatement. Hamilton has floundered at the Scuderia, a mere shadow of the driver that has seven world titles to his name.
The cause of these struggles is well documented, as Hamilton struggles to adapt to a car that is different at the fundamental level to the last 11 years with Mercedes, as well as the environment and culture.
Hamilton’s social media has been active in the build-up to the Dutch GP at Zandvoort, stating he will not give up in the face of adversity.
This indicates a mental reset attempt by the seven-time world champion, as he seeks to turn around a largely disastrous season. Change will not be instant, and progress at Zandvoort will be dictated by what happens behind the scenes rather than on the track.
Seeing Hamilton dejected in recent races to the point he suggested Ferrari needs another driver was difficult for many to watch. The Dutch GP will prove if his mental reset will help in the face of more likely adversity in the Netherlands.
Dim hopes for a Max Verstappen home win?
Just two races at Zandvoort remaining before its contract expires, it will likely not be the Dutchman’s year this weekend.
The RB21’s performance plummeted before the summer break, with Max Verstappen claiming the team will not win a race for the remainder of 2025.
A narrow operating window, understeer and a perceived lack of grip has seen Verstappen off the top step of the podium since Imola.
Zandvoort will likely be a continuation of what was witnessed in Hungary. Requiring downforce, confidence in the corners, including the iconic banking, the RB21 will struggle with tyre temperature and balance.
That said, a wet weekend is currently forecast, which could play into the reigning champion’s hands. Rain is a leveller, and could allow for a popular home win, should the stars align. But a race win on pure pace in the dry looks to be a step too far.
