Dutch GP 2025 summary: Ferrari disaster, McLaren reliability concerns
The 2025 Dutch Grand Prix concluded with a total disaster for Ferrari and a major reliability warning for McLaren. The chequered flag fell on the fifteenth round of the season, with Oscar Piastri claiming a spectacular victory after a flawless race from start to finish. Behind him finished Max Verstappen and, achieving his first career podium, Isack Hadjar in the Racing Bulls. Here is a full summary of all 72 laps of the Grand Prix.
Start and opening stint
The start went smoothly for pole-sitter Oscar Piastri, who managed an excellent clutch release and secured the inside line at Turn 1, maintaining the lead. Behind him, teammate Lando Norris lost a position to Max Verstappen, the only front-runner to start on fresh red tires. At Turn 3, Verstappen risked heavily in an overtaking attempt but lost control of his car, almost ending his race after just a few laps.
The joy of the Dutch fans was short-lived. Norris in the McLaren MCL39 proved too strong, eventually passing the Red Bull and setting off in pursuit of his teammate. Further back, Charles Leclerc managed to overtake George Russell and immediately got behind Isack Hadjar, although he could not attack due to Hadjar’s excellent exit from the final corner.
First pit stops and Safety Car shuffle
Unable to find an overtaking opportunity on Hadjar, Ferrari called Charles Leclerc in for an undercut attempt. However, the strategy backfired. During the pit stop lap, Lewis Hamilton crashed into the barriers at Turn 3, bringing out the Safety Car. Unfortunately, all the drivers ahead had already pitted, losing roughly half the strategic advantage. What was meant to help Charles Leclerc attack Hadjar and Verstappen instead cost him a position to Russell.
After the Safety Car restart, further problems emerged in the midfield, with Liam Lawson and Carlos Sainz suffering punctures following contact at Turn 1. In a remarkable move, Leclerc passed Russell at Turn 10 using the inside gravel to gain position.
Final phase: Ferrari collapse and McLaren reliability alarm
In the closing stages of the race, chaos unfolded. The first to make their second stop among the leaders were the Mercedes cars on red tires, signaling a clear attack from Kimi Antonelli, who overtook George Russell to contest Ferrari’s position in 16th. Ferrari reacted by calling Leclerc in for a response. Unfortunately, at Turn 3, Kimi Antonelli attempted a pass but collided with the Monegasque, forcing Charles Leclerc to retire and triggering another Safety Car.
McLaren’s potential double podium was also spoiled by reliability issues, with Lando Norris retiring due to a Mercedes Power Unit failure. The final classification saw Piastri take the win, followed by Verstappen, Hadjar, Russell, and Alex Albon. Additional points were scored by Oliver Bearman and both Aston Martin cars, salvaging valuable positions in the championship.
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