Dutch Grand Prix 2026 – Sunday: Zandvoort thriller ends with double podium for Mercedes

The Dutch Grand Prix 2026 at Zandvoort delivered a nail-biting finale as Mercedes secured a double podium in a dramatic 72-lap race marred by a red flag in the opening stint. Kimi Antonelli and George Russell finished second and third respectively, capping a race of high drama and strategic masterstrokes. Antonelli led the majority of the contest before Lando Norris sliced past on fresher tires in lap 54, demoting him to P2. Russell, who started P2, dropped to P3 after the restart but recovered to P2 before the virtual Safety Car on lap 56 allowed both Mercedes drivers to pit for fresh rubber. Antonelli switched to softs while Russell remained on hards, but the team’s gamble paid off as Russell repelled Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in the closing stages to secure P3 and a fourth double podium of the season. The result extended Mercedes’ lead in the Constructors’ Championship to 87 points. Both drivers praised their starts and the team’s strategic calls, though Antonelli admitted frustration at losing the lead despite strong pace. Russell highlighted the intense competition, noting McLaren and Ferrari’s surprising speed. Team principal Toto Wolff conceded the W08 lacked the outright pace to fight for victory, framing the podiums as damage control. He stressed the need for further car development after two consecutive weekends without the quickest package. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin labeled it an eventful afternoon, underscoring the team’s resilience despite the performance deficit.