Loser: Max Verstappen
Reigning world champion Verstappen’s winless run extended to five Grands Prix as he had no answer to Norris and McLaren’s scintillating pace over both one lap and long runs at his home event.
The Dutchman lamented Red Bull’s lack of speed at Zandvoort, the RB20 having lost its all-conquering advantage, and thus he couldn’t continue his run of always having won his home Grand Prix (he triumphed in 2021, 2022 and 2023).
He still has a substantial lead in the standings – just less than three Grands Prix worth of points – and this is only the fourth time this season he’s seen his championship advantage cut. But the manner of his defeat in the Netherlands will be concerning heading into the sharp end of the campaign.
Winners: McLaren
McLaren brought their first major upgrade package to a track since Miami – and it had the desired effect, as they crushed the opposition to take pole position before taking a commanding victory through Norris – their third of 2024.
Oscar Piastri was disappointed to miss out on a podium, but his fourth-place finish not only meant he is the top scorer in the last five Grands Prix with 92 points but it also helped McLaren slash the gap to championship leaders Red Bull to just 30 points.
McLaren are in the ascendency and with more upgrades to come, they have every chance of overhauling Red Bull and taking their first constructors’ championship in more than two decades.