Norris and McLaren 'don't have car' to fight for title despite Dutch GP win

In a thrilling Dutch Grand Prix, Formula One world champion Lando Norris of McLaren secured victory, marking back-to-back wins in a race marked by a significant crash involving local hero Max Verstappen. Starting on pole, Norris outperformed a fierce three-way battle against title leader Kimi Antonelli and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

The Briton crossed the finish line 11.54 seconds ahead of Antonelli, clinching his third win at the Dutch Grand Prix after previous wins of teammate Oscar Piastri and Norris himself.

Norris praised the race, stating, "I made it tough for myself today, but a good race. Well fought. Probably one of my better wins. We had to fight for it well, but the pace was very strong." The 26-year-old also expressed his delight, saying, "I managed things incredibly well today. So over the moon, very, very happy and nice to win the final race here in Zandvoort."

Mercedes' George Russell completed the podium, overtaking Hamilton in the closing stages. Following a hefty downpour an hour before the race, drivers faced a drying track and created a dramatic start when Verstappen lost control of his Red Bull, crashing into the wall and causing several rivals to swerve out of the way. Verstappen immediately informed his team that he was unhurt and walked free from the car.

Antonelli, reacting faster off the grid than Norris, took the second position until the 54th lap when Norris executed a spectacular overtake on the Italian. Hamilton then engaged in an intense battle with George Russell, which the Mercedes driver won. Charles Leclerc finished second for Ferrari. The second McLaren of Oscar Piastri secured sixth place.

Despite leading the championship by 59 points, Antonelli will start the next race in Monza with a 10-place grid penalty due to Mercedes' engine change necessity. The Dutch Grand Prix, set to be the final edition of the track due to financial reasons, was praised for its unique layout, steep banked corners, raucous atmosphere, and packed crowds dressed in Dutch orange.