(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Oscar Piastri Wins Dramatic Dutch Grand Prix as Verstappen Finishes Second, Hadjar Secures First Podium
Zandvoort, Netherlands — August 31, 2025: McLaren’s Oscar Piastri powered to victory at an incident-packed Dutch Formula One Grand Prix, with home favourite Max Verstappen finishing second and rookie Isack Hadjar claiming a sensational first career podium.
Piastri Extends Championship Lead
Starting from pole position, the Australian star controlled the race from start to finish at the Zandvoort Circuit, surviving three safety car interruptions to secure his sixth Grand Prix win of the season. The result stretches his championship lead to 34 points over teammate Lando Norris, who suffered a heartbreaking late retirement.
“I felt like I was in control of that one and just used the pace when I needed to,” Piastri said. “There’s still a long way to go, but we’ll keep doing it one race at a time.”
Verstappen Thrills Home Crowd
Cheered on by tens of thousands of his passionate “Orange Army” fans, Verstappen started from third on the grid and overtook Norris early, before briefly losing control of his Red Bull. He quickly recovered but couldn’t match the relentless pace of the McLaren.
Norris regained second place on lap nine, restoring a McLaren one-two, but the Brit’s race ended in disaster with just six laps remaining when smoke forced him to retire from his car.
Hadjar Makes History With First Podium
The big surprise came from 20-year-old French rookie Isack Hadjar, who drove a composed race for Racing Bulls to claim third place. His performance made him the fifth youngest driver in Formula One history to stand on the podium.
“This was always the dream since I was a kid. My first podium is just the beginning—I want much more,” said a jubilant Hadjar.
High Drama in Changing Conditions
Unpredictable weather added to the drama as rain began to fall on lap 15. Ten laps later, Lewis Hamilton crashed his Ferrari into the barriers, ending his race and triggering the first safety car.
Hamilton, who had already been under pressure after recent poor form, apologized over team radio: “I’m so sorry, guys.” He later received a five-place grid penalty for Monza after failing to slow under yellow flags.
Further chaos followed when Charles Leclerc tangled with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, sending the Ferrari spinning out and capping a disastrous weekend for the Scuderia.
Eyes on Monza
With his latest victory, Piastri strengthens his status as the man to beat in the 2025 Formula One season. The championship battle now shifts to Monza, Italy, on September 7, where Ferrari’s passionate Tifosi will be desperate for a turnaround after a painful weekend at Zandvoort.
