Lando Norris won the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday in what was the first race after the F1 summer break, showing McLaren is still the fastest car on the paddock.
Despite taking the lead on the opening lap, Max Verstappen was not able to maintain pace with Norris and was eventually passed on the 18th lap. Without the pace to challenge McLaren, Verstappen was able to salvage a second-place podium for his 200th race.
Rounding out the podium was Charles Leclerc, who was able to hold off fourth-place finisher Oscar Piastri. Checo Perez qualified fifth in the race but finished sixth.
With only nine races left, Red Bull is in danger of falling out of first place in the Constructors’ Championship next week in Spain. Red Bull has maintained a lead in the Constructors’ Championship for four years. In the Drivers’ Championship, Verstappen still maintains a sizable lead over Norris.
Although a possibility remains for McLaren to steal both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in 2024, it seems unlikely that Verstappen can continue to find his way onto the podium every weekend. Additionally, Red Bull may be able to find additional pace through upgrades made over the remaining races.
