Lando Norris Breaks Verstappen’s Dominance in Zandvoort

Different Winner, Same Enthusiasm at the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix

For the first time in four years, the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix has crowned a new winner. Lando Norris (McLaren) succeeded in breaking Max Verstappen’s dominance at Zandvoort today. “The fact that Lando’s victory is met with such great enthusiasm here is, for me, proof that this event is no longer solely dependent on Max’s success,” said sporting director Jan Lammers.

Norris’s victory in Zandvoort was not entirely unexpected. McLaren has been closing in on Max Verstappen’s Red Bull for months. However, as dominant as Verstappen was in the previous three editions of the Dutch Grand Prix, he is no longer as superior this season. This did not affect the lead-up to the event in any way. Once again, the race days were sold out. Moreover, the enthusiasm in the stands was remarkable and heartwarming when Norris, rather than Verstappen, was waved as the winner.

Lammers commented, “Of course, the hype around Max Verstappen helped us a lot in the beginning, but I can now confidently say that the Dutch Grand Prix has grown beyond that. It’s no longer just our party. I’ve noticed in every way that we’ve moved past that stage.”

Ticket sales for next year, which continue until August 31, 2024, also reflect this, according to Lammers. “Tickets for 2025 are selling fast again.” Norris also felt the support of the race fans in Zandvoort today. “I can sense that I have a lot of supporters here, and I appreciate that.”

With Norris, Verstappen, and Leclerc standing on the podium in Zandvoort, we saw three drivers who are expected to dominate Formula 1 in the coming years. Young, hungry, and charismatic.

The Future
As for what the future holds in Zandvoort, Dutch Grand Prix Director Robert van Overdijk cannot say. “Officially, next year is the last edition. But this weekend, we heard Stefano Domenicali, the head of Formula One, express great confidence in a positive future. With Super Friday and a fantastic weekend, the Dutch Grand Prix has established something truly unique here.

Domenicali is optimistic, and so are we. Otherwise, we would never have brought this event back to the Netherlands. We are now going to see if all the pieces fit together so that we can move forward with confidence and acceptable risk. However, we will need a few more months to make a final decision.”