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
End Of Year Reports 2025Alpine’s best and worst moments from 2025
REVEALED: Your favourite race of the 2025 season
Verstappen reflects on Mercedes talks and F1 future
End Of Year Reports 2025Aston Martin’s best and worst moments from 2025
Our writers on the best drivers and stories from 2025
ExclusiveVesti on life as Mercedes reserve and his F1 plan