F1 Returns: Dutch GP with Rain and Verstappen in Sight

Formula 1 Returns After the Summer Break: Analysis of the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix

Formula 1 returns with renewed energy after the summer break, marking the fifteenth race of the 2025 season. With ten races remaining, every point is crucial in the fight for the drivers’ championship.

Weather Forecast: Storms in Zandvoort

The Zandvoort circuit anticipates cooler temperatures, around 19°C during the weekend. Rain and possible storms are expected on Friday and Saturday. Sunday is forecast to be cloudy, although the coastal location can generate rapid changes in the weather.

Cadillac F1 CEO: No truth to Christian Horner rumours. Dan Towriss assures that he has not had “any conversation” with Christian Horner to be the director of the Cadillac team.

Latest News

Why did Cadillac choose Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez for 2026? Pérez stated that “he has nothing to prove” after leaving Red Bull. Meanwhile, the team strongly denied rumors about negotiations with former F1 boss Christian Horner.

Analysis of the first half of the season: Which predictions were correct and which were not? For more analysis and a preview of the Dutch Grand Prix, listen to the latest episode of the Unlapped podcast.

Zandvoort is famous for its coastal circuit and sand dunes, and will leave the F1 calendar after 2026.

Circuit Statistics and Data

Zandvoort, synonymous with sand dunes, is characterized by a circuit that winds through them. Known for its banked corners, with a 35% slope in turn 1, this high-adrenaline circuit offers fast straights, technical curves, and overtaking opportunities, which usually generates exciting races. After years of activity between 1952 and 1985, the circuit returned to the F1 calendar in 2021, after several improvements. However, due to a tight schedule and new races on the horizon, the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix will be the last edition.

Dutch Grand Prix

Circuit: Circuit Zandvoort; Zandvoort, Netherlands

First F1 race: 1952

Lap record: 1:11.097, Lewis Hamilton (2021)Laps: 72 laps of 4.3 km. Total distance: 306 kmSpecial features: A narrow, undulating, old-school circuit with banked corners that test the limits of modern F1 cars. The Dutch fans create a vibrant atmosphere, especially when their local hero, Max Verstappen, is leading.Pilots’ opinion: “Like sliding on a sled” – Pierre GaslyPoints of interest to watch the race: Tarzan Corner (Turn 1) or Arie Luyendykbocht (Turn 14). The first corner offers ample overtaking opportunities, while the second banked corner is where F1 cars perform at their best.Most wins: Jim Clark with four (1963-1965, 1967). Other current winners on the grid: Max Verstappen (2021-2023), Lando Norris (2024)Most poles: Verstappen (2021-2023) is tied with René Arnoux (1979-1980, 1982) with three poles. Other current drivers with pole: Norris (2024)

Fun facts about Zandvoort:

• The race is one of the few where fans, staff, and the media primarily travel by public transport.
• Max Verstappen is tied with Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda with three victories at the circuit and is only one away from equaling Jim Clark’s record.
• The last corner is called Arie Luyendyk, in honor of the Dutch driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner. It has an 18-degree banking, twice the angle of the four corners of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Lando Norris achieved his second victory at Zandvoort.

What Happened Last Year?

Lando Norris, despite a not-so-good start from pole position in last year’s Dutch Grand Prix, managed to overtake Verstappen on lap 18 and secure his second career victory. Norris crossed the line with a 22-second lead and added an extra point for the fastest lap.

Who Will Win?

McLaren has become the safe bet on every race weekend, but this is the Dutch GP and rain is in the air. Given the title mentality of Oscar Piastri and Norris, we predict a popular victory for Verstappen in wet conditions.

The Dutch GP is usually packed with Max Verstappen fans and the ‘Oranje Army’.

Here Are the Championships

Piastri has led the championship for most of the year, but with a difference of only nine points, will he remain the leader after Sunday’s race? Verstappen is third and needs spectacular improvements to reduce the 88-point gap with Norris. Meanwhile, McLaren seems to have the constructors’ championship secured, with a 299-point lead over Ferrari. For fans in the United States, the race is broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN+. In the UK, live coverage is on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live, with highlights on Channel 4. For news, analysis, and updates, follow the coverage with the ESPN F1 team in Zandvoort and on social media. Session times (in BST, British Summer Time). Local time is Central European Summer Time (BST+1 hour). Friday

• Free practice one: 11:30-12:30 BST
• Free practice two: 15:00-16:00 BST

Saturday

• Free practice three: 10:30-11:30 BST
• Qualifying: 14:00-15:00 BST

Sunday

Race: 14:00 BST (live commentary from 13:15 BST on ESPN.co.uk/F1).