During the Dutch GP at Zandvoort, fans both domestically and internationally were treated to an exciting racing spectacle. Max Verstappen bravely battled the unleashed McLarens, Lando Norris took a hard hit in the World Championship standings due to mechanical issues, and young Isack Hadjar celebrated a sensational first podium in Formula 1. The international press also enjoyed this penultimate edition of the Dutch racing festival – a GP that will long be remembered.
“White smoke usually means a new pope has been chosen,” wrote the German BILD after the Dutch GP. “But in Formula 1, it indicates a blown engine.” The publication was referring to the ‘bitter defeat’ of Lando Norris, who saw his second place in the final stages of the race – literally – go up in smoke. “Has the title fight been decided here?” the German reporter wondered. “One thing is certain: it was white smoke on a dark day for last season’s runner-up.” However, as they know at Ferrari, things can always get worse. “The Scuderia did even worse; both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc retired in Zandvoort – and at exactly the same spot.” According to BILD, Hamilton also made a ‘painful rookie mistake’.
The French L’Équipe naturally focused on the sensational first podium of Isack Hadjar. The young Parisian defended his fourth place tooth and nail and was – thanks to Norris’s retirement – rewarded with a spot on the podium. Hadjar received a 9 for his performance in Zandvoort, an ‘exceptional achievement’. “Had Isack Hadjar won the race, he would undoubtedly have received a 10,” explained the French sports newspaper. “But even ‘just’ a podium finish is, given his age, his experience in Formula 1 and his car – a Racing Bulls – already quite remarkable.”
Sensational Victory at GP Zandvoort
The Italian La Gazzetta dello Sport also handed out ratings after the GP of Zandvoort. Lewis Hamilton, who is expected to defend the Italian honor at Ferrari, was not spared. The seven-time world champion received a 5 for his performance. “He made a huge mistake, something that is not characteristic of him,” was the critical analysis. Max Verstappen, the ‘local hero’ who drove for his home crowd in Zandvoort, received a 7.5 for his ‘stunning overtaking maneuver’ on Norris. “Where the McLaren is better than all other cars, Verstappen is better than all other drivers,” wrote the pink sports newspaper. “After four races, he returned to the podium, also to honor his own people.” Oscar Piastri, who once again achieved a ‘sensational victory’, received an 8 – just like debutant Hadjar.
In Spain, the focus was also on the Dutch home hero. “Zandvoort roared for a few seconds,” noted Marca about the start of the GP. “Just like in the now legendary 2021 Dutch Grand Prix.” The medium called Verstappen a ‘magician’ and a ‘purebred driver’, but had to admit that this weekend nothing or no one could stand up to Oscar Piastri. “He went all out and dreamed, for a moment, of the impossible – leaving the unbeatable McLarens behind. He came close. But one slip and the ruthless aggression of Oscar Piastri cost him the victory. It was only a few seconds, but it could have been the moment when the GP of Zandvoort took a different turn. The champion went down fighting.”
