Formula One Dutch Grand Prix
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Max Verstappen crashed out of the Dutch Grand Prix on the opening lap at Zandvoort, ending his participation in what is scheduled to be the circuit's final Formula 1 race for the foreseeable future. The four-time world champion lost control of his Red Bull on a damp section of a banked corner near the start-finish straight and struck the barrier heavily, destroying the front of his car.
A red flag was immediately deployed to clear debris, and the race was suspended for an extended period. The 28-year-old confirmed by radio that he was uninjured and exited the vehicle under his own power. More than 100,000 spectators attended the event, which falls sixth in the championship standings and behind leader Kimi Antonelli entering the weekend.
Verstappen, who recently extended his Red Bull contract through 2030, had won at Zandvoort in 2021, 2022 and 2023 before finishing second in the last two editions.
Lando Norris secured pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix with a lap of 1:11.163 at Zandvoort on Saturday, hours after finishing third in the sprint race and criticizing his McLaren as 'far from good enough' at low speeds.
George Russell, who won the sprint from pole, qualified second for Sunday's race, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli — who holds a 56-point advantage over Russell with 224 points — took third on the grid. Home favorite Max Verstappen could manage only seventh, and Gabriel Bortoleto qualified ninth.
Norris claimed his first win of the season in Hungary before the summer break.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli set the pace in first practice for the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing 0.121 seconds clear of Lando Norris at Zandvoort on Friday. George Russell placed third, with Lewis Hamilton fourth.
The 12th round of the Formula 1 season arrives with Antonelli holding a 50-point championship lead over Hamilton, having won six of the first 11 races. Antonelli is the bookmakers' favourite for Sunday's race at 3.00 odds. Max Verstappen, who has won three times at Zandvoort and seeks Jim Clark's record of four, could only manage 11th in practice despite heading into the weekend with a new four-year Red Bull deal.
Fernando Alonso finished 12th as Aston Martin debuted a new Honda power unit. Liam Lawson stood in for Isack Hadjar, who broke his wrist.