F1 result: Lando Norris wins 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort after Max Verstappen crash, beats Kimi Antonelli

Lando Norris delivered a strong performance to win the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort on Sunday, crossing the line more than 11 seconds clear of championship leader Kimi Antonelli. The McLaren driver recovered from an early setback to claim victory in a race disrupted by Max Verstappen’s heavy crash on the opening lap.

George Russell completed a strong day for Mercedes in third, holding off Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in the closing stages.

Max Verstappen’s early exit brings red flag

The F1 race began under tricky conditions after earlier rain left parts of the track damp. Max Verstappen, starting seventh in front of his home crowd for the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, was involved in a tight battle with teammate Liam Lawson early on.

At the end of the first lap, the Red Bull driver lost control at the banked final corner after his wheel dipped onto the white line. The car slammed into the outside wall, one wheel came off, and debris scattered across the track. The race was immediately red-flagged.

Verstappen confirmed he was unhurt, telling the team: “Yeah, that’s it.” He later added he was okay and walked away from the scene. Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto also spun in the same area but continued.

Lando Norris fights back after restart

After the restart, Kimi Antonelli moved into the lead. Lando Norris, who had started from pole, dropped places but stayed in contention. Strategy and tyre management became decisive as the race developed through multiple pit stops and a virtual safety car period later on.

Norris closed the gap steadily. Around lap 54 he made a decisive move to reclaim the lead, passing through a tight group that included Hamilton. Once ahead, the McLaren driver pulled away cleanly. Antonelli, who had pitted for soft tyres under the virtual safety car, could not match the pace and reported grip issues on the radio.

Russell defended third effectively in the final laps as Hamilton and Leclerc closed in, securing a double podium for Mercedes behind the winner.

Lando Norris reflects on key strategy call

After taking the chequered flag, Lando Norris was pleased with how the afternoon unfolded. “Gorgeous!” he said. “Well executed, the strategy won me the race today. Let’s keep bringing performance, let’s keep bringing upgrades, the fight is still on.”

The result marked another solid points haul for the reigning world champion as he continues to chip away at the gap to Antonelli in the standings. Antonelli’s second place kept him at the top of the championship, while Russell’s podium further strengthened Mercedes’ position.

The race featured several on-track battles further down the order, including strong recovery drives and late pressure on the podium contenders. Esteban Ocon’s stoppage triggered one of the virtual safety car periods that influenced the final strategies.