Back-to-back wins for Norris

Norris became only the second driver after Antonelli to claim consecutive wins in 2026, taking victory at Zandvoort after his Hungary triumph. The win moved him to fourth in the standings, 83 points behind Antonelli.

Antonelli increased his overall lead despite not winning either format in Zandvoort, now 59 points clear of team-mate George Russell and 59 points clear of Lewis Hamilton. Norris’ win cut the Italian’s advantage by eight points.

McLaren momentum

Norris was frustrated after third in the Sprint when Leclerc overtook him late on softs, highlighting McLaren’s long-run rear-grip issues. The team worked overnight and Norris still took pole, then converted it on Sunday.

“Pretty high just from a point of just very well fought in many ways,” Norris said. “The turnaround from yesterday to today… I was pretty disappointed yesterday. Last night we worked very, very hard.”

Team principal Andrea Stella said Norris is “driving and operating at a very high level in absolute sense in relation to a Formula 1 world champion”.

Championship picture

Mercedes now trail McLaren in race pace. Antonelli admitted: “We’re clearly not the fastest car anymore on the grid. We’re probably second or third.”

With 11 races remaining, Norris cited Verstappen’s 2025 comeback from 104 points down as encouragement. Monza next week looms large, with Antonelli set to take a grid penalty for engine usage.