Norris storms to second straight win in dramatic Dutch GP farewell

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands — Lando Norris emerged victorious from an action-packed Dutch Grand Prix, the McLaren driver crossing the line ahead of the Mercedes pair of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell to claim his second consecutive victory — and win the final Formula 1 race ever to be held at Zandvoort.

The race was halted after just one lap when home favourite Max Verstappen lost the rear of his Red Bull on the main straight and hit the wall heavily, spraying debris across the track and prompting red flags. The Dutchman reported he was okay, and the field reformed for a standing restart.

Antonelli then made a flying start to sweep ahead of Norris and briefly pulled clear, but Norris reeled the championship leader in during the final third of the race and reclaimed the position — then proved unbeatable once a late Virtual Safety Car, prompted by Esteban Ocon stopping, scrambled the strategy picture. Mercedes swapped its cars to release Antonelli into second, but Norris crossed the line 11.536 seconds clear to take his 13th career win.

Russell held off the Ferraris to take the final podium spot, ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, while Oscar Piastri finished sixth. Liam Lawson was the sole Red Bull home, keeping seventh despite a 10s penalty for a yellow-flag offence.

Nico Hulkenberg, Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly rounded out the top 10 as Alex Albon joined Valtteri Bottas, Lance Stroll, the two Haas cars and Verstappen in the list of non-finishers.

“Amazing. A tough race,” said Norris. “I said we needed to put on a bit of a show for everyone for the final race here, so I made it tough for myself today. Probably one of my better wins — the pace was strong. Nice to win the final race here in Zandvoort."