The Formula 1 season is back in full swing after the summer break, with races coming thick and fast. All eyes are on the intense championship battle between McLaren stars Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, as the circuit heads to Zandvoort.
Why it matters:
Just nine points separate Piastri and Norris after 14 races this season, making their internal rivalry the most compelling storyline in F1. Despite a near-collision in Hungary, McLaren is allowing its drivers to race freely, especially since the Constructors' Championship is virtually secured for the Woking-based team.
The Zandvoort Showdown:
Zandvoort could be a pivotal moment. Lando Norris secured a dominant pole-to-flag victory here in 2024, while Oscar Piastri missed the podium despite superior machinery. If Norris can repeat his Dutch GP triumph, he would reclaim the championship lead.
While Ferrari, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, struggles for consistency and Red Bull, including Max Verstappen, has recently faltered, the focus at the front has shifted from red or blue to the orange of McLaren. It's increasingly likely that the 2025 World Champion will be a McLaren driver; the question remains: Norris or Piastri?
How to watch the Dutch Grand Prix live:
For fans in Germany, RTL will broadcast the main race live on free-to-air television.
- Race Broadcast Start: Sunday, 2:00 PM CET
- Race Start: Sunday, 3:00 PM CET
For comprehensive coverage of all sessions, including practice, qualifying, and the race, Sky/WOW offers live broadcasts, with pre-race shows starting 90 minutes before the green light.
Dutch GP Schedule (CET):
- Friday, August 29, 2025:
- Practice 1: 12:30 PM (Sky/WOW)
- Practice 2: 4:00 PM (Sky/WOW)
- Saturday, August 30, 2025:
- Practice 3: 11:30 AM (Sky/WOW)
- Qualifying: 3:00 PM (Sky/WOW & RTL)
- Sunday, August 31, 2025:
- Race: 3:00 PM (Sky/WOW & RTL)
The big picture:
Zandvoort promises high drama. Norris aims to capitalize on his strong past performance, while Piastri hunts for crucial points to narrow the championship gap. With only nine points separating them, every session will be critical.