The Dutch Grand Prix is set to begin under rainy conditions at Zandvoort in the Netherlands. Lando Norris starts from pole position with a chance to secure another Formula 1 victory, but the weather adds an unexpected challenge. Rain threatens to create the first true wet race under the upcoming 2026 regulations. The track is tricky for overtaking, and drivers are equipped with intermediate or full wet tires.

During the qualifying session, McLaren’s Norris found unexpected speed, earning him the top spot ahead of the Mercedes drivers, George Russell and current standings leader Kimi Antonelli. Although the track shares similarities with Hungary, where Norris clinched victory on July 26, he anticipates challenges at the Dutch circuit.

Norris expressed concerns after the sprint race, where he started second but dropped to third, losing to Charles Leclerc. He admitted that the team struggles with low-speed corners. Despite some progress, Norris expects a tough race, noting that qualifying conditions with new tires and low fuel seem to hide some issues.

On Saturday, George Russell won the sprint race at Zandvoort. Despite finishing fourth, Antonelli extended his lead in the standings to 53 points. Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli’s closest competitor, finished seventh in the sprint and qualified fifth for the main race. Antonelli maintains a 56-point lead over Russell, with substantial gaps to Leclerc and Norris, at 79 and 90 points respectively.