Summer Break’s Over: What to Expect as Formula One Returns to Zandvoort

As Formula One’s mandatory summer break comes to a close, teams and fans prepare for the final leg of the calendar. Next Sunday, the lights will go out in Zandvoort, Netherlands, for the Dutch Grand Prix. The championship battle will resume at the reigning four-time world champion, Max Verstappen’s home race. With an especially close fight for the championship between the two McLaren drivers, the return to F1 is even more dramatic.

McLaren is dominating the grid so far in 2025 with 559 Constructor’s Championship points, more than double that of Ferrari, which is in second place. Both drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, sit atop the standings with only nine points separating the two. The intense battle between the McLaren teammates fuels a fierce teammate rivalry, as only one of them will be named the 2025 Champion. In the final 10 races of the year, it will come down to the final points to decide if either Piastri or Norris will achieve their dream of becoming world champion.

While the summer break is great for all staff to have a much-needed break, it is important that drivers take the time off to continue training and preparing for future races. Rest and recovery are important for drivers to prepare for the high-intensity races, and many drivers took beach vacations or relaxed on a boat. The break is also a great time to fully study and prepare for the next race at Zandvoort. Current championship leader Piastri is reportedly sticking to a strict training schedule over the break and is working with simulators to maintain his dominance.

Zandvoort is a perfect venue for Formula One’s return because of its narrow, twisting layout with limited overtaking opportunities, steep corners, and Verstappen’s home circuit. As he is currently behind in the championship and only has two wins so far, he will be hungry to secure some important points. Passionate Dutch fans, known for turning their grandstands into a sea of orange for Verstappen, will add to the atmosphere and energy of the weekend. The Dutch Grand Prix promises to be a dramatic return, and the results will show who took advantage of the break the best.