The Formula 1 drivers’ title is slipping out of Max Verstappen’s hands, so something drastic (like a massive collapse from McLaren) has to happen for him to retain his crown. After a three-week hiatus, the Dutchman hopes to draw inspiration at home, with the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix happening this weekend. Verstappen is third in the drivers’ championship with 187 points, 97 points adrift from Oscar Piastri. His team, Red Bull, is fourth in the constructors’ championship with 194 points, 365 adrift from McLaren.
Besides the ongoing championship races, the final 10 events of the 2025 Formula 1 calendar could also be a pivotal time for certain drivers, such as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, as both drivers plan to extend their stay with the Silver Arrows beyond this season.
Without further ado, here are some of the latest Dutch Grand Prix 2025 updates, courtesy of SBOTOP.
Red Bull’s Verstappen on pace to set new record
Max Verstappen had one of his more challenging race weekends with Red Bull in Hungary, as he was forced to settle for crossing the line at the tail end of the Top 10. He could only secure the eighth position on the grid, losing out to Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, and Gabriel Bortoleto. The Dutchman was confused by the RB21’s lack of pace, grip, and balance. Eventually, he finished P9 in the actual race.
Verstappen has not finished on the podium in the past four races this season. He only has two victories under his belt, and he arrives in the Netherlands not as the favourite to win. Given how competitive he is, Verstappen is determined to do well in Zandvoort, as he has a chance to cement his status as one of Formula 1’s all-time greats on this track.
First, he can equal Jim Clark’s record (4) for the most wins at Zandvoort, and he can also become the driver with the most pole positions on this track if he secures the top position during the qualifying tomorrow. If Verstappen clinches any of these records, he will remain the uncontested record holder for the foreseeable future. With the Dutch Grand Prix set to disappear from the calendar after 2026, current drivers won’t have the opportunity to surpass the Dutchman.
Mercedes drivers fighting for their contracts
One of the biggest storylines heading into the second half of the 2025 Formula 1 season is the contract situation of the Mercedes drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Both of them have yet to receive confirmation that they will be extended following a summer where Max Verstappen was also linked to a potential move to the team.
Russell has been the Silver Arrows’ most consistent driver this season, as the British international is fourth in the drivers’ championship with 172 points. On the other hand, Antonelli is seventh with 64 points, and the young Italian went on a brutal stretch after his unlikely P3 in Canada.
Neither driver is in a rush to extend, but until their signatures are on contracts, there is always a slight chance of something unexpected happening. During their last race in Hungary, Russell secured his fifth podium of the campaign by finishing third, while Antonelli finally broke his points drought with a P10 outing.
History
The Dutch Grand Prix has been a part of the Formula 1 calendar since 1952 and was designated the European Grand Prix twice, in 1962 and 1976, when this title was an honorary designation given each season to one Grand Prix situated in Europe. It is held at Circuit Zandvoort in North Holland. After 1985, this event went on a 35-year hiatus before it was revived in 2021.
Since then, Zandvoort has been Max Verstappen’s domain, as the Dutchman completed a three-peat from 2021 to 2023. Lando Norris won last year’s edition after claiming pole position during the qualifying and having a relatively straightforward race.
What are the odds?
The Dutch Grand Prix 2025 odds have McLaren poised to breeze past the competition this Sunday, as Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are both priced at 2.40 to win the race and are at 2.50 odds to own the fastest lap of the event.
Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton are the closest challengers to podium spots at 6.50, 11.00, 13.00, and 21.00. Fernando Alonso (67.00), Kimi Antonelli (151.00), Lance Stroll (251.00), and Nico Hulkenberg (301.00) round out the Top 10.
The Papayas are 1.25 favourites to be the winning team. Ferrari and Red Bull are level at 7.00, while Mercedes are distant challengers at 10.00.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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