Lando Norris wins Dutch Grand Prix as Charles Leclerc finishes fifth
Lando Norris claimed victory at the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday, converting pole position into his second Formula 1 win of the season, while Monaco’s Charles Leclerc finished fifth for Ferrari.
The reigning world champion took the win at Zandvoort ahead of Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, following a dramatic race which saw home favourite Max Verstappen crash out on the opening lap.
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Verstappen lost control of his Red Bull on the damp track and hit the barriers, bringing out the red flag.
After a lengthy interruption, the race resumed with changing conditions and different tyre strategies adding to the action.
Norris temporarily lost the lead to Antonelli after the restart but fought his way back, eventually passing the championship leader on lap 54 before controlling the closing stages.
Ferrari finished just outside the podium places, with Lewis Hamilton fourth and Charles Leclerc fifth.
Leclerc showed strong race pace and produced an impressive overtake on Oscar Piastri during the race, but was left frustrated by the result and Ferrari’s strategy.
The Monegasque believes much of the damage had already been done in qualifying, where he started sixth.
“We didn’t maximise the full potential of the car and, starting from behind, it was difficult to come back,” Leclerc said after the race, adding that the Virtual Safety Car had also worked against him.
The result sees Norris move ahead of Leclerc into fourth place in the Drivers’ Championship, while Antonelli remains at the top of the standings.
Pierre Gasly secured the final point for Alpine in tenth, while Esteban Ocon retired following a power unit failure.