Norris Leads the Pack in Blistering Dutch GP FP1, Verstappen Faces Early Setback

The 2025 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort kicked off with an electrifying First Practice (FP1) session, seeing McLaren's Lando Norris set a formidable pace. The British driver showcased exceptional speed, topping the time sheets and signaling a strong start for his team on the challenging Zandvoort circuit.

McLaren's Dominance: Norris and Piastri Shine

Lando Norris demonstrated impressive form, securing the fastest lap time in FP1. His performance was closely mirrored by his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, who also displayed significant speed, placing second and highlighting a powerful showing for the McLaren team. This early demonstration of pace suggests McLaren could be a strong contender for the weekend's events.

Verstappen's Gravel Encounter

In a surprising turn of events for the home hero, Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, experienced a minor setback during the session. Towards the end of FP1, Verstappen's Red Bull car found itself beached in the gravel at Turn 1, cutting short his practice time. While not a significant incident, it will be a moment the Red Bull team will want to quickly move past as they prepare for the remainder of the Grand Prix weekend.

What to Expect Next

As teams and drivers continue to fine-tune their setups, all eyes will be on the upcoming practice and qualifying sessions. The Zandvoort circuit, known for its undulating nature and challenging corners, promises more thrilling action. Fans will be eager to see if Norris can maintain his blistering pace and how Verstappen will recover from his early gravel excursion.