WEEKEND WARM-UP: Verstappen chasing a fourth straight win at home, but McLaren and Mercedes look strong as F1 returns
F1 is back after the summer break, with the teams and drivers ready and raring to go racing in Zandvoort.
There will be plenty of upgrades on show all weekend long, as the teams seek every possible advantage with plenty to play for in both championships. But who will start the second half of the season in style?
Max Verstappen normally goes well at home, having secured both pole and the race win every time F1 has come here since Zandvoort rejoined the calendar in 2021. But the Dutchman might have a harder time of it this year, with McLaren breathing down his neck.
That's not to mention Mercedes, who have won three of the last four races, and Ferrari – who finally have a better understanding of their car and thus have made big strides forward.
As for Carlos Sainz, his future was finally revealed at the start of the break – but there is work to do for Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen and Zhou Guanyu if they want to secure seats for next season.
To discuss who might go well in Zandvoort and more, join Jolyon Palmer, Lawrence Barretto and Will Buxton on Weekend Warm-Up as they analyse all the latest stories ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
Click play on the video above to tune in.
Next Up
Related Articles
Lifestyle & CultureHow title-challenger Norris is redefining F1 fashion
Hamilton shares more about his special Ferrari documents
Albon believes 2025 is his best season so far in F1
Russell ‘would pay to be a World Champion’
Watch the drivers face Grill the Grid’s ‘spot the mistake’ challenge
Stella surprised by level of McLaren's dominance in 2025