5 storylines we're excited about at the Dutch GP

F1 returns from the summer break at Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix, marking the start of the season's crucial final third. The driver market is lively, with Cadillac's 2026 entry sparking intense speculation about their first driver lineup. McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are engaged in a fierce championship battle; Piastri leads by nine points, though Norris dominated last year's Dutch GP and the recent Budapest race. Home favorite Max Verstappen, usually dominant here, faces an unusual challenge after a recent dip in form, despite a Belgium Sprint win. Lewis Hamilton seeks consistent results with Ferrari, while Mercedes' George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli await contract confirmations, adding intrigue to the paddock discussions.