The Britishmen wins his seventh Grand Prix of the F1 2025 season.
The Dutch Grand Prix 2025 turned into a blockbuster spectacle filled with drama, collisions, and heartbreak for several top teams. The Zandvoort crowd witnessed three major crashes, three retirements, and a rollercoaster of emotions in one of the most chaotic races of the Formula 1 2025 season.
For Ferrari, it was a nightmare to forget. Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton failed to see the chequered flag, making it arguably their worst race of the calendar. Meanwhile, McLaren missed out on securing a remarkable fifth consecutive 1-2 finish, as Lando Norris’s engine dramatically caught fire just seven laps before the end. That twist of fate opened the door for local hero Max Verstappen to reclaim second place, while rookie sensation Isaac Hadjar celebrated his first-ever Formula 1 podium with a superb P3.
Chaos in the Opening Laps
The drama began early. Lance Stroll tangled with rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, leaving the Brazilian with front wing damage. Shortly after, Liam Lawson collided with Carlos Sainz, further compounding William’s woes. But the biggest flashpoint came when Charles Leclerc clashed with Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli. Leclerc was forced to retire on the spot, while Antonelli received a five-second penalty that altered his race strategy.
Adding to the chaos, Lewis Hamilton—a seven-time world champion—was the first casualty of the afternoon after running wide and crashing into the barriers. His early retirement set the tone for a race packed with incidents.
McLaren: Glory and Heartbreak
Despite the setbacks, McLaren continued to showcase their dominance in the 2025 F1 Constructors’ Championship. Oscar Piastri delivered a flawless drive, taking his seventh win from pole position. His teammate Norris fought bravely, briefly overtaking Verstappen for second on Lap 9 and even clocking the fastest lap of the race. Unfortunately, mechanical failure crushed his podium hopes just when McLaren looked set for another dream finish.
Verstappen Delivers at Home, Hadjar Makes History
The sea of orange in the grandstands roared as Max Verstappen secured P2 at his home race. While it wasn’t a victory, the reigning champion’s consistent form keeps him firmly in the title hunt. But the day’s biggest story belonged to Isaac Hadjar, who clinched his maiden Formula 1 podium in third place—a landmark moment for the young Frenchman.
Elsewhere, Alex Albon enjoyed his best-ever F1 finish in P5, while Yuki Tsunoda added two valuable points for Red Bull Racing with a P9 result.
Ferrari’s Nightmare Continues
Team principal Fred Vasseur will want to erase Zandvoort from memory. With both drivers out—Hamilton’s sideline-crash and Leclerc from the Antonelli incident—Ferrari scored zero points, further slipping behind McLaren and Mercedes in the standings.
Title Race Heats Up
With only a handful of races left, McLaren edge closer to defending their Constructors’ Championship. Piastri’s consistency and Norris’ pace underline the team’s dominance, but reliability remains a concern. For Verstappen, the fight for the 2025 Drivers’ Championship is far from over, especially with home podiums keeping his momentum alive.
The Dutch Grand Prix 2025 will be remembered as a race of high drama, shattered hopes, and unforgettable firsts.