Formula 1, Lando Norris wins 2026 Dutch Grand Prix: Stats
What's the story
McLaren's Lando Norris has clinched victory at the Dutch Grand Prix. The win comes after a fierce battle with Formula 1 2026 championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes. Despite starting from pole position, Norris lost his lead to Antonelli early on due to a standing restart triggered by Red Bull's Max Verstappen crashing out at the end of the first lap.
Tactical shift
Norris's tire strategy gives him a comfortable win
Norris struggled to keep up with Antonelli in the first stint. However, his fortunes changed after he switched to hard tires during the first round of pit stops.
He managed to overtake Antonelli after coming out of his second stop with much fresher tires than the Italian.
This strategic move helped him secure a comfortable win at Zandvoort, further closing the gap in the championship standings.
Race dynamics
Mercedes's team orders secure podium finishes for their drivers
In the closing stages of the race, Mercedes ordered George Russell to let Antonelli through to second place.
Russell barely managed to fend off Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton for the final podium spot.
Meanwhile, Hamilton expressed his frustration over team strategy calls as he finished fourth behind his teammate Charles Leclerc, who was fifth.
Team progress
McLaren's impressive comeback in the 2nd half of the season
This win is not just a personal victory for Norris but also a major boost for McLaren.
The car had been difficult to drive and off the pace in the first half of the season. However, with new upgrades, including one at Zandvoort, the team has made significant strides forward.
Despite some weaknesses through slow corners, Norris and his team are making the most of their improved performance.
Norris
Norris seals his 2nd sucessive race win in 2026
Norris, who won the 2025 Formula 1 championship, claimed his 2nd race win in 2026.
Before this, he won the Hungarian GP in July.
From 12 races this season, he has claimed four podium finishes.
Overall, this was his 48th podium finish in F1. Meanwhile, he has now won his 13th race in F1.
Duo
Antonelli and Russell take podium finishes
Mercedes driver Antonelli picked up his 10th podium finish of the year. Overall, he has 13 podiums.
On the other hand, his teammate Russell, who earlier won the Dutch GP Sprint, collected his sixth podium finish this season.
Overall, he owns 30 podium finishes in F1.
Information
A look at the Driver's standings
Antonelli leads the pack with 242 points from 12 races this season. Russell and Hamilton are on 183 points each. Norris has raced to 159 points and is ahead of Leclerc (152) and Verstappen (112).
Do you know?
Which team leads the show in F1 2026?
Mercedes continue to lead the show in the Formula 1 2026 season Team standings. Mercedes own 425 points and are ahead of Ferrari, who have 338 points. McLaren are third with 263 points secured so far. Red Bull Racing remain 4th with 186 points.
Words
Probably one of my better wins, says Norris
Norris reflected on his performance after the race and said: "A tough race. Yesterday I said we needed to out on a bit of a show for everyone for the final race here. I made it tough for myself today but a good race, well fought. Probably one of my better wins, we had to fight for it."
"The pace was very strong and we managed things well. Over the moon, very happy. Nice to win the final race in Zandvoort," he added.
Kimi
Antonelli shares his views after finishing 2nd
Mercedes' Antonelli felt once Norris passed him, he had no chance.
"It was a very intense race, I managed to get the lead, the I just didn't have the feeling with the car. It was sliding a lot, Lando passed me and I knew I had no chance after that. George was a great team player, happy for him to hold onto p3 as well," he said.