High Stakes at Dutch Grand Prix as Verstappen Faces Unusual Pressure

Max Verstappen, typically dominant at the Dutch Grand Prix, faces pressure as he returns without a win from the last four races. Competition is heating up from McLaren and Mercedes, with George Russell and Oscar Piastri leading recent practice sessions. Verstappen's 78-point lead in the driver standings is now under threat.

The Dutch Grand Prix, typically a triumphant event for Max Verstappen and his fervent followers, appears set for a change this year.

Verstappen, who has secured victory in all Dutch Grand Prix races since its 2021 comeback, finds himself under pressure for the first time in a while. Entering the race without a win in his last four starts, the Dutch racer is enduring his longest drought since 2020.

"Last year, I was much more confident about our chances," Verstappen said on Thursday. "This season is highly competitive, and we're still working on getting a better car balance." The upcoming race marks Verstappen's 200th, and with a Red Bull contract running until 2028, he admits he's nearing the end of his F1 career. Meanwhile, McLaren and Mercedes are catching up, with team principal Andrea Stella teasing a "substantial upgrade."

Friday practice saw George Russell and Oscar Piastri topping the charts, followed by Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. Verstappen managed only the fifth-fastest lap. A red flag was raised when Nico Hulkenberg's Haas crashed, and Carlos Sainz Jr. faced gearbox issues. Rainy conditions are expected to persist through qualifying.

Sergio Perez's struggles mean Red Bull's 42-point lead in the constructors' championship could be at risk. The organization appears to have five drivers vying for four seats across its teams. Additionally, Alpine announced Jack Doohan as a co-driver for 2025.

George Russell, who recently lost a potential win due to disqualification, remains optimistic. Despite Mercedes' good form, he considers it improbable for anyone to catch Verstappen and Red Bull in the standings.

(With inputs from agencies.)