Formula 1 returns to the track this weekend at the Dutch Zandvoort circuit. Oscar Piastri leads the championship by nine points over Lando Norris, while Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are also under close scrutiny. Follow every session of the Dutch Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1.
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The 2025 Formula 1 championship continues after the summer break, and here are the key talking points ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
The heat of the championship race
Ten rounds before the end of the season will be dedicated to the clash between McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris as they battle for their debut world title.
Australia's Piastri leads his British team-mate by nine points, but Norris dominated before the break, winning three of his last four races.
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Lando Norris's collision with teammate Oscar Piastri at the Canadian Grand Prix.
The intensity of passions gradually increased as the McLaren duo pulled away from their pursuers, with Max Verstappen now third, 97 points behind Piastri.
A dispute in Canada caused by Norris's mistake resulted in a collision between the drivers, but the consequences were mitigated by the fact that the Briton, not Piastri, was injured and retired.
The situation almost repeated itself at the previous round in Hungary when Piastri almost collided with Norris while attempting a late overtake, an incident that was followed by a stern warning over the radio.
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Hungarian Grand Prix final: A tense battle for victory between Lando Norris and McLaren's Oscar Piastri.
Relations between the drivers remain professional, thanks to the clever management of McLaren's management, led by Andrea Stella and Zak Brown, who maintain a friendly atmosphere off the track.
The title race promises to remain intense, but the extent to which the rivalry could escalate remains in question as the season finale approaches.
Questions around Verstappen
Despite the exciting title battle, the main magnet for fans in Zandvoort remains local hero Max Verstappen.
The announcement that the event may be removed from the calendar after 2026 will increase the desire of the Orange Army to enjoy the spectacle on the North Sea coast while it is still possible.
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An analysis of the turning points that led to the collapse of Max Verstappen's title ambitions in the first half of the season.
For the first time since the Dutch Grand Prix's return in 2021, Verstappen approaches his home round out of championship contention, with questions continuing over his long-term plans.
Ahead of the round in Hungary, the Dutchman shut down rumours of a move to Mercedes in 2026, confirming his stay at Red Bull for next season.
However, the team's subsequent disappointing weekend in Budapest and pictures of Verstappen on Mercedes boss Toto Wolff's yacht during the break have reignited speculation.
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Verstappen insists that his relationship with Wolff does not influence his career decisions, but it is difficult to imagine that the Mercedes boss is not considering the possibility of working with the leader of the modern Formula 1.
Both men's responses to the inevitable questions about their relationship will be the focus of attention, with Wolff's comments perhaps more telling given the driver's already stated position.
Russell's future at Mercedes
Another topic for discussion with Wolff will be the contracts of the team's current drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Russell sparked speculation over a possible move for Verstappen by telling Sky Sports F1 that the delay in renewing his contract was due to Mercedes' attempts to land the Dutchman.
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Martin Brundle and Jamie Chadwick analyse George Russell's negotiations over a new Mercedes contract.
Mercedes traditionally stresses its confidence in the employer's position, given Russell's status as a youth program graduate and Antonelli's prospects.
Some experts believe that the balance of negotiations has shifted in the Briton's favor after Verstappen confirmed his continued cooperation with Red Bull.
Regardless of the details, fixing the contracts will allow the team to avoid constant questions about the future of the drivers, especially after Verstappen's final decision.
Official announcements are expected to follow soon.
Hamilton's Return
Among the drivers who most needed a summer break was Lewis Hamilton, whose debut season with Ferrari was not easy.
A poor qualifying performance in Hungary forced the seven-time champion to question his effectiveness and even suggest that the team consider a replacement.
Social media posts with the hashtag #NoPause and photos of intense training sessions indicate the 40-year-old rider has undergone a complete reboot ahead of the resumption of the season.
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A look back at Lewis Hamilton's run of bad luck in his first season at Ferrari.
Hamilton continues to search for a first podium with Ferrari, having set a career low of 16 races without finishing in the top three.
While the technical quirks of the SF-25 make it difficult, the driver needs to regain confidence to maintain his chances of challenging for an eighth title in 2026 if Ferrari delivers a competitive car.
The chronic skills problems of recent years are unlikely to disappear after a three-week break, but progress is possible.
Correcting the critical mistakes made in Belgium and Hungary could open the way for Hamilton to fight for podiums and even victories.
Formula 1 returns from 29-31 August with the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, available on Sky Sports F1. Start watching Sky Sports without a long-term commitment – cancel anytime.
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