
Norris Fights On After Zandvoort Blow in F1 Title Race
Norris Fights On After Zandvoort Blow in F1 Title Race
Lando Norris says he will “go for it” in the final nine races of the Formula 1 season after a heartbreaking DNF at the Dutch Grand Prix left his title hopes hanging by a thread.
Norris retired with an oil leak while running second to teammate Oscar Piastri, who now leads him by 34 points in the standings.
“It’s a lot of points to lose so quickly and so easily. But I’ll give it everything,” said Norris.
Norris vs Piastri: Intra-McLaren Showdown
The battle between the McLaren teammates is shaping up to be one of the tightest intra-team rivalries in modern F1 history. Norris had won three of the last four races before the summer break and came into Zandvoort just nine points behind Piastri.
Despite showing better pace in practice, Norris missed out on pole by just 0.012s. With overtaking notoriously difficult at Zandvoort, Piastri was able to control the race from the front, despite three safety cars and constant pressure.
Piastri’s Composure vs Norris’ Frustration

Lando Norris joined the McLaren celebrations for Oscar Piastri’s victory at Zandvoort
While Norris sat by the track visibly devastated after retiring with seven laps to go, Piastri remained composed:
“There’s still a long way to go… It can change very quickly with one DNF,” said the Australian, now the points leader.
Team principal Andrea Stella was quick to back Norris:
“Absolutely no doubt. If anything, this will bring out the best in Lando.”
Not Over Yet: F1 History Says Comebacks Are Possible
Norris’ challenge now resembles Lewis Hamilton’s failed comeback against Nico Rosberg in 2016, when reliability problems left Hamilton chasing a 23-point deficit late in the season.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, referencing that season, said:
“Certainly a blow to the championship, but not impossible. There’s still nine races left.”
Oil Leak Mystery
McLaren and Mercedes (who supply their power units) are still investigating the cause of the leak. Stella said it was unclear whether it stemmed from the chassis or the engine.
There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment!