Mercedes face growing pressure as F1 returns for Dutch GP
The championship shows signs it could go down to the wire as the chasing pack seeks to overhaul race leader Kimi Antonelli.
Formula One returns after its summer hiatus with a high-stakes Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff acknowledges rivals have closed the performance gap, admitting his team is no longer unbeatable. 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli leads the championship by 50 points over seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, but Mercedes has left points on the table.
Wolff stresses their second-half performance will be crucial. McLaren and Ferrari, having gained ground on Mercedes, will be keen to overtake teenager Antonelli. McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have mixed memories from last year's Zandvoort race, with Piastri winning and Norris suffering a breakdown. Hamilton, who was disheartened last season, now believes he can challenge for an eighth world title.
Dutchman Max Verstappen, a four-time champion, returns to his home Grand Prix wearing a special helmet. However, Zandvoort's unique course, notorious for unpredictable weather, may challenge even the best.
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