McLaren fired the first shot in Dutch Grand Prix practice. Lando Norris set the benchmark in FP1 with a 1:10.278, edging teammate Oscar Piastri by 0.292 seconds. The early one-two underlined McLaren’s authority in Dutch Grand Prix practice and reinforced their push in both championships.
Tricky Wind, Early Red Flag
Zandvoort stayed dry but gusty, and the wind caught out several drivers. Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli slid off and beached his car, bringing out a red flag after just 10 minutes. Moments later, Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda spun as the session halted. Once running resumed, McLaren again looked comfortable at the top in Dutch Grand Prix practice. McLaren also shared their strong start on social media, celebrating the pace on X.
Aston Martin Shine; Ferrari Toil
Aston Martin made the most of the conditions. Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso logged the third- and fourth-fastest times. Home favourite Max Verstappen ended sixth and even had to clear gravel from his Red Bull late on, an uncharacteristic moment for the four-time world champion.
Ferrari’s session stung. Charles Leclerc ranked only 14th, with Lewis Hamilton 15th after a 360-degree spin and “flat spots all round” on the radio. “We are miles off, like miles off,” Leclerc admitted over team radio. The result adds pressure after Hamilton’s recent frustrations and Ferrari’s uneven form.
Title Picture and a Wet Forecast
McLaren’s form matters in the bigger fight. The report noted the team sit nearly 300 points clear in the constructors’ race. In the drivers’ standings, Piastri holds a nine-point edge over Norris with 10 rounds left, while Verstappen sits third, almost 100 behind Piastri.
Weather could flip the script. Forecasts point to rain across all three days in Zandvoort, with heavy showers expected for FP2 at 16:00 local time (14:00 GMT). Verstappen, who thrives in the wet, warned of potential “chaos” if conditions turn, setting up an unpredictable weekend in Dutch Grand Prix practice.
