Max Verstappen added another triumph at the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, extending his streak and surpassing Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine consecutive wins. The Dutch driver rode the cheers of the home crowd as rain intermittently disrupted the race and two red flags paused the action. From pole position, Verstappen held his lead and secured his eleventh victory on home soil, delivering a dominant showing that thrilled fans and underscored his mastery around Zandvoort.
Relating to
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Alonso dazzles in Zandvoort’s mess
On the podium Verstappen completed the race with the fastest lap, joined by Fernando Alonso, who delivered a memorable performance and earned the driver of the day nod. Alonso’s display signaled a return to form for the Asturian, as Aston Martin’s improvements after the holidays paid off and he claimed his seventh podium with the Silverstone-based squad. Carlos Sainz faced a challenging weekend on a high-downforce circuit, reducing the damage to his Ferrari tally while teammate Charles Leclerc was forced to retire from the event due to issues encountered during the race.
Dutch GP
Race details: 75 laps, totaling 306.648 kilometers, unfolded as the field battled variable conditions and a track that demanded precision. Verstappen seized the moment and crossed the line first with a winning time recorded at 2:24:04.411, reflecting a pure performance under pressure.
2. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) finished 3.744 seconds behind, staking a strong claim on the podium and showcasing the team’s mid-season improvement.
3. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) claimed third place, finishing 7.058 seconds adrift and highlighting a competitive performance in a difficult circuit setup.
4. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) was 10.068 seconds back, continuing to show consistency as elements of strategy and tire management played pivotal roles in the race outcome.
5. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) finished 12.541 seconds behind, navigating a weekend that tested Ferrari’s operational pace on a track that emphasized aerodynamics and high downforce characteristics.
6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) completed the race 13.209 seconds away, contributing to a solid performance as the team pushed for stronger points in a fluctuating race.
7. Lando Norris (McLaren) was 13.232 seconds behind, delivering a competitive drive and representing McLaren’s ongoing performance improvements this season.
8. Alexander Albon (Williams) finished 15.155 seconds adrift, charging through the field and demonstrating Williams’ renewed competitiveness in a demanding circuit context.
9. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) ended 16.580 seconds back, rounding out a resilient weekend for the British outfit amid evolving strategic decisions.
10. Esteban Ocon (Alpine) finished 18.346 seconds behind, maintaining a steady pace in a race where every position carried significance for the constructors’ standings.
11. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) was 20.087 seconds in arrears, contributing to a race that tested Aston Martin’s consistency across a mixed-weather scenario.
12. Nico Hülkenberg (Haas) finished 20.840 seconds off the winner, scoring valuable points in a season where Haas has shown flashes of reliability and speed.
13. Liam Lawson (AlphaTauri) completed the distance 26.147 seconds behind, reflecting a competitive effort against a strong field in a car still finding its form.
14. Kevin Magnussen (Haas) finished 26.410 seconds behind, demonstrating the team’s continued efforts to secure solid results on a track demanding balance and confidence.
15. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) was 27.388 seconds back, contributing to a race that tested the drivers’ ability to extract performance from mid-pack machinery.
16. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) finished 29.893 seconds behind, rounding out a day of learning against a backdrop of evolving regulations and competing strategies.
17. George Russell (Mercedes) crossed the line 55.754 seconds off the pace, marking a race where the German manufacturer faced challenges to keep pace with the frontrunners.
Retired: Guanyu Zhou (Alfa Romeo) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) exited the race amid mechanical issues and on-track events, underscoring the unpredictable nature of a Dutch GP that tested every team’s endurance and setup decisions.