By Michael Madyira
McLaren’s Lando Norris fought back against Max Verstappen to claim the Dutch Grand Prix as the season resumed at Zandvoort on Sunday.
Starting on pole position, Norris witnessed Red Bull driver Verstappen jumping to take the lead at the first turn but he recovered as the race developed to claim his second victory of the season.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took the last podium finish while Norris’ fellow McLaren driver Oscar Piastri settled for fourth and Carlos Sainz came fifth.
“It feels amazing. I wouldn’t say a perfect race because of lap one again but afterwards it was beautiful,” said Norris as per BBC Sport.
“The pace was very strong, the car was unbelievably today.
“I could get comfortable, I could push and get past Max which was the main thing, and just go from there.
“Honestly quite a straightforward race, still tough but very enjoyable.”
Verstappen conceded he was not quick enough to claim victory on home track again.
“We had a good start. We tried everything we could today but I think it was quite clear we were not quick enough, so I tried to be second today,” Verstappen said.
“I know that we have good starts, so I was quite confident of having another one, and luckily, I did that.
“I just tried to do my own race and that was my race – I was second today.”
Verstappen looked set for what would have been a fourth consecutive home victory when he claimed an early lead.
But the three-time world champion faced a mid-stint lack of grip which Norris gratefully took advantage of to reclaim the lead he held on to.
Crossing the line 20 seconds ahead of second-placed Verstappen, Norris also profited from the front runner’s sole pit stop to win the 72-lap encounter and add on to his Miami triumph.
Favourable dry and bright conditions characterised the afternoon after two days of mixed weather prior to the race, prompting tyre supplier Pirelli to suggest a one-stop strategy.
Despite coming second, Verstappen remains the title leader although his lead was cut to 70 points by Norris with nine races remaining before the season concludes.
Pictured above: Lando Norris embraced by his father after winning the Dutch GP
Source: Formula 1
