Norris Claims Victory at Dutch Grand Prix, Driver Ratings Revealed

New Delhi, India Aug 23, 2026 ALN: Lando Norris won his second race in a row in the final race at the Dutch Grand Prix before it drops off the calendar.

By virtue of his victory at Zandvoort, Norris is now 83 points off championship leader Kimi Antonelli and is fourth in the drivers' standings. This victory not only underscores Norris's growing prowess on the track but also highlights the competitive nature of the current 1 season, where every point is crucial as the championship race heats up.

The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort has been a significant event on the 1 calendar since its reintroduction in 2021, after a 36-year hiatus. The unique layout of the circuit, characterized by its undulating terrain and proximity to the seaside, presents both challenges and opportunities for drivers. The high-speed corners and limited overtaking zones test the skill and strategy of the teams and their drivers. As the race weekend unfolded, the atmosphere was electric, with fans flocking to the stands to witness the action unfold on the iconic track.

George Russell's win in the sprint race on Saturday, combined with his third-placed finish on Sunday, means he is now level on points with Lewis Hamilton, who he held off to seal a spot on the podium. This development is particularly noteworthy as it reflects the ongoing intra-team rivalry at Mercedes, where both drivers are vying for supremacy. The dynamics within the team could play a critical role in their performance as the season progresses, especially with the championship on the line.

Mercedes swapped their two drivers late in the race with Antonelli sealing second place. This strategic move indicates the team's willingness to prioritize championship points and ensure that both drivers maximize their potential. Further down the order, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc put the pressure on Hamilton late on but could not leapfrog his team-mate into fourth. Leclerc's performance, while commendable, highlights the challenges Ferrari faces in breaking into the top spots consistently, especially against the backdrop of Mercedes and McLaren's recent resurgence.

Here are my ratings for how the drivers performed across the whole weekend in the Netherlands.

Driver Ratings

Lando Norris - 9.5/10

A brilliant response after losing out to Russell and Leclerc in the sprint. He showcased his maturity and skill by taking pole when it mattered and demonstrated both pace and patience in chasing down Antonelli. Norris's ability to reclaim the lead and control the remainder of the race speaks volumes about his development as a driver. His consistent performance has made him a fan favorite and a serious contender for future races.

Kimi Antonelli - 9/10

His mistake in sprint qualifying damaged the floor of his car, which could have hindered his performance. However, he managed to top practice, recover to fourth in the sprint, and qualify third. His superb starts on Sunday demonstrated his skill, even though he ultimately lost out to Norris. Antonelli remains a formidable force in the championship, and his resilience in overcoming setbacks is commendable.

George Russell - 9.5/10

Russell likely had the most complete weekend of anyone, even if he didn't win the main event. He secured sprint pole, achieved a commanding sprint victory, and started second in the grand prix, culminating in a podium finish on Sunday. His ability to soak up pressure from both Ferraris during the race illustrates his growing confidence and skill behind the wheel. Russell's performance solidifies his position as one of the top drivers in the current grid.

Lewis Hamilton - 8/10

Hamilton had a strong weekend but did not quite reach the heights of the three drivers ahead of him. He managed to beat Leclerc in both qualifying and the grand prix, pushing Russell hard for the podium. However, his seventh-place finishes in both sprint qualifying and the sprint impacted his overall score. Hamilton's experience and skill remain invaluable to the Mercedes team, and as the season progresses, his ability to adapt and improve will be crucial.

Charles Leclerc - 8.5/10

Leclerc was one of the stars of Saturday, qualifying third for the sprint and executing an excellent drive on the soft tire to pass Norris for second. However, his sixth-place finish on Sunday was disappointing by comparison. Despite this, Leclerc raced aggressively, remaining in the podium fight until the end. His performance reflects Ferrari's potential but also underscores the need for consistency if they hope to challenge for the championship.

Oscar Piastri - 6.5/10

Piastri never quite looked as comfortable as his teammate Norris throughout the weekend. His fifth-place finish in the sprint and fourth in qualifying were respectable, but he lost places to both Ferraris during a challenging grand prix. Additionally, slow pit stops did him no favors. Piastri, as a rookie, is still learning the ropes of 1 and will likely continue to improve as the season progresses.

Overall, the Dutch Grand Prix showcased thrilling performances and set the stage for an exciting remainder of the season. With the championship race tightening and teams vying for crucial points, fans can expect more intense battles on the track. As the season continues, the implications of each race will be felt not just in the standings but also in the strategies employed by teams and the psychological dynamics between drivers. The upcoming races will be pivotal as teams aim to capitalize on their strengths and address their weaknesses, making for an exhilarating conclusion to the season.