Why it matters:The 2025 Formula 1 season enters its crucial second half at the Dutch Grand Prix, with drivers addressing their mindsets, car performance, and championship aspirations.
The big picture:
Red Bull's Max Verstappen, despite a challenging season, aims to maximize performance, while McLaren's Lando Norris carries significant momentum after winning three of the last four races. Rookies Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) and Ollie Bearman (Haas) reflect on their progress, and Alex Albon (Williams) looks to maintain a strong Constructors' position. Racing Bulls' Isack Hadjar discusses his strong pace amid reliability issues.
Driver Insights:
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Max Verstappen's Outlook:
- Verstappen hopes for a stronger showing at Zandvoort than in Hungary, though he doesn't expect it to be Red Bull's best track. He anticipates better performance on high-speed corners.
- He expressed happiness for Sergio Pérez joining Cadillac, noting Pérez's valuable experience across different teams and regulations.
- Verstappen finds motivation easy despite not contending for the championship, focusing on car development for the future. He enjoys the 'party' atmosphere at Zandvoort.
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Lando Norris's Momentum:
- Norris feels confident after recent wins, aiming for maximum points race-by-race and a potential championship battle with teammate Oscar Piastri.
- He does not expect an easy win at Zandvoort, despite McLaren's dominance last year.
- Norris acknowledged past mistakes (China, Canada) but uses them as learning experiences. He credits Team Principal Andrea Stella as the most crucial factor in McLaren's success, highlighting Stella's ability to unite and motivate the team.
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Rookies' Season Progress:
- Gabriel Bortoleto attributes Kick Sauber's recent points streak to car upgrades and a consistent team effort, noting that the midfield is extremely tight.
- Ollie Bearman acknowledged Haas's consistent P11 finishes, just outside the points, as both frustrating and promising. He's focusing on fine-tuning for the 'final step.'
- Isack Hadjar is confident in his raw pace despite recent reliability issues, focusing on learning and exploring limits as a rookie rather than playing it safe.
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Alex Albon's Zandvoort & Williams Goals:
- Albon finds Zandvoort an