The 2025 Dutch Grand Prix got off to an electrifying start as Lando Norris set the pace in Friday’s first practice session at Zandvoort. Fans were treated to a fast and competitive session, with McLaren showing strong form ahead of championship leader Oscar Piastri. The British driver’s blistering lap hinted at the excitement to come this weekend.
Norris Tops McLaren in Dutch GP FP1
Norris stunned the field with a lap time of 1:10.278, putting almost three-tenths of a second between him and team-mate Piastri. The session began with cool, blustery conditions, making it tricky for drivers to find grip early on. Piastri initially led the session, briefly overtaken by home hero Max Verstappen before Norris surged to the top.
Aston Martin’s Strong Showing
Lance Stroll impressed in FP1, setting a lap of 1:10.779 to take third place. Fernando Alonso also showcased Aston Martin’s pace, clocking just behind Stroll. The team’s performance hinted at a competitive weekend, with both drivers demonstrating excellent control on Zandvoort’s challenging corners.
Midfield Battles Heat Up
Behind the leaders, Alexander Albon delivered a solid fifth for Williams, while Verstappen slotted into sixth, nearly a second off Norris. Mercedes’ George Russell and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz rounded out the top eight. Rookie Gabriel Bortoleto impressed in ninth, showing strong early pace in the Sauber.
Session Incidents and Red Flags
The session saw multiple interruptions. Yuki Tsunoda and Kimi Antonelli both ran off track, causing brief red flags. Carlos Sainz also had a minor spin at Turn 11, adding to the session’s drama. Despite these challenges, the top drivers quickly regained rhythm to set competitive lap times.
Power and Performance Highlights
McLaren’s Mercedes-powered package proved decisive. Norris and Piastri exploited the soft compound Pirelli tyres to deliver rapid laps. Aston Martin’s Mercedes engines also showed strong mid-corner acceleration, keeping Stroll and Alonso in contention. The session highlighted the importance of tyre strategy and precision driving on Zandvoort’s tight layout.
Verstappen’s Home Challenge
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen faced a tricky start, improving to 1:11.986 before settling into sixth. The home hero had an off-track moment on his out lap, demonstrating the challenges even top drivers face on this demanding circuit.
Key Takeaways from FP1
Lando Norris leads a McLaren one-two, Aston Martin shines with both drivers in the top four, and Verstappen faces early challenges on home soil. The session underscored tyre choices, track conditions, and the tight competition in the midfield.
Summary
FP1 at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix set the tone for an exciting weekend. Norris delivered a dominant performance, with Piastri close behind, while Aston Martin emerged as a threat. The session’s incidents and competitive lap times promise an action-packed weekend at Zandvoort.
| Pos | Driver | Car |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 2 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 3 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin |
| 4 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
| 5 | Alexander Albon | Williams |
| 6 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 7 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 8 | Carlos Sainz | Williams |
| 9 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Sauber |
| 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
| 11 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls |
| 12 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls |
| 13 | Nico Hülkenberg | Sauber |
| 14 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 15 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 16 | Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull |
| 17 | Esteban Ocon | Haas |
| 18 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine |
| 19 | Oliver Bearman | Haas |
| 20 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
Disclaimer: This article is based on free practice session results and does not predict race outcomes.
Source: Fia
