Verstappen Hailed for Dutch GP 'Masterpiece,' Hamilton Criticized for 'Rookie Mistake'

Max Verstappen's performance at the Dutch Grand Prix has been lauded as a "masterpiece" by Gian Carlo Minardi, while Lewis Hamilton faces heavy criticism following his DNF at Zandvoort.

Why it matters

This race highlighted starkly contrasting fortunes for two of F1's biggest stars and significantly impacted the Constructors' Championship battle, particularly for Ferrari and Mercedes.

The details

• Verstappen's Recovery: Starting from P3, Verstappen secured second place, benefiting from Lando Norris's late exit. Crucially, he narrowly avoided a crash on the opening lap, demonstrating exceptional car control.
• Minardi's Praise: Gian Carlo Minardi remarked on his website, "Despite the premises for a possible anomalous grand prix, we saw a lively race... and with many surprises, starting with Piastri’s excellent start and Verstappen’s masterpiece in managing the car that was about to get out of control."
• McLaren Battle Continues: Oscar Piastri's championship lead would have grown significantly if Norris had finished. Norris's late retirement cost him valuable points, leaving the intra-team battle open with nine intense races remaining.
• Ferrari's Setback, Hamilton's Error: Ferrari's double retirement at Zandvoort was a missed opportunity, reducing their advantage over Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship. Minardi specifically called Hamilton's early exit a "rookie mistake," noting his recovery during practice was followed by a disappointing qualifying and race retirement.

What's next

With nine races left, the championship battles, both for drivers and constructors, remain fiercely contested. Teams will need to prioritize reliability and consistent performance to secure their positions.