Lando Norris wins Dutch GP: Verstappen out of the race on the first lap

The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix in Formula 1 concluded with a victory for Lando Norris following a race filled with dramatic moments. McLaren driver Norris took control in the final part of the race to see the checkered flag first.

Norris was joined on the podium by Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. While Antonelli took second place, Russell's third-place finish brought a double podium for Mercedes.

Starting the race from pole position, Norris led through the first corner. In the opening section, Charles Leclerc moved up to fourth place by overtaking Oscar Piastri. However, the rhythm of the battle changed before the first lap was even completed.

Max Verstappen, competing in his final home Dutch GP, lost control of his car and hit the barriers. Due to the heavy damage to the Red Bull, the Dutch driver could not continue the race. A red flag was shown after the crash; it was reported that Verstappen exited the car on his own and is in good health.

STRATEGY BATTLE AND THE FINAL STRETCH

The race restarted after a wait of approximately 20 minutes. In this section, Antonelli took the lead by overtaking Norris with a strong start. The young Mercedes driver tried to open a gap by using his tires well in the first part.

In the middle section, pit stop choices frequently changed the order. While Russell climbed to the top positions with an early pit strategy, the gap between Norris and Antonelli closed again in the second half of the race. Around the 53rd lap, the battle between the pair reached its peak; although Antonelli defended for a long time, Norris overtook his rival with a move on the outside line.

A virtual safety car, deployed due to a problem with Ocon's car, mixed up strategies once again in the final stages. Ferrari pitted Lewis Hamilton first, then Leclerc; Piastri and Antonelli also headed to the pit lane. Another virtual safety car period occurred late in the race due to contact between Sainz and Albon.

In the final laps, while Norris maintained his lead, the podium battle between Antonelli and Russell came to the fore. Hamilton also applied pressure on Russell, but Russell defended successfully and did not relinquish third place. Thus, the Dutch GP became one of the most remarkable races of the season with Norris's victory, Mercedes' double podium, and Verstappen's early exit.

News Source: 12punto