Loser: Max Verstappen
Reigning world champion Verstappen’s winless run stretched to five Grands Prix as he had no answer for Norris and McLaren’s blistering pace in both one-lap races and long runs at his home event.
The Dutchman lamented Red Bull’s lack of speed at Zandvoort as the RB20 lost its dominant lead and was therefore unable to continue its streak of always winning its home Grand Prix (it triumphed in 2021, 2022 and 2023).
He still has a substantial lead in the standings – just under three Grands Prix points – and this is only the fourth time this season that he has seen his championship advantage reduced. But the manner of his defeat in the Netherlands will be a concern heading into the 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 win through Norris, their third of 2024.
Oscar Piastri was disappointed not to be able to make it onto the podium, but his fourth place not only meant he is the joint-top scorer in the last five Grands Prix with 92 points, but also helped McLaren close the gap to championship leaders Red Bull to just 30 points.
McLaren is on the rise and with more improvements to come, it has every chance of overtaking Red Bull and claiming its first constructors’ championship in more than two decades.