Lando Norris made a perfect start to the second section of the 2024 F1 season by winning the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort last week.
The McLaren driver arguably should have more than two victories on the board this season as his team have not always made the most of their potential, but Norris was a clear-cut winner in Max Verstappen's home race.
The British driver still trails the world champion by 70 points with only nine races remaining, but he will be looking to turn up the pressure on the Dutchman by winning again in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
- LANDO NORRIS TO WIN
- CHARLES LECLERC EACH-WAY
- ALEX ALBON POINTS FINISH
Norris Can Land Back-To-Back Wins
The Dutch Grand Prix didn't begin well for Lando Norris as he made another slow start from pole position and lost the lead to Max Verstappen.
However, the manner in which he caught, quickly passed, and pulled clear of the Red Bull should have given his confidence a huge boost. Norris was even able to show there was more in the tank when he set the fastest lap of the race on the final lap, picking up an extra point.
Norris was winning for only the second time, following his breakthrough success in the Miami Grand Prix in May, but he may not have to wait as long for his next success, which could well come in Italy on Sunday.
Red Bull look to be doing some soul-searching after losing their mojo and no immediate turnaround seems to be forthcoming, so it could be another weekend of damage-limitation for Verstappen, who can still afford to lose almost eight points to Norris at each of the final nine rounds and stay ahead in the championship.
Verstappen was beaten for the first time in his home grand prix in the 200th race of his career and was only just ahead of Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri at the finish.
LANDO NORRIS TO WIN
Ferrari To Impress At Home
With Mercedes, who had won three of the previous four races, not a major factor in the Netherlands, it could again be Ferrari who put down the strongest challenge to Verstappen and the McLarens at Monza.
The Italian team have prepared an upgrade package for their car at their home race and after a stronger performance in the Netherlands, Leclerc could get involved in the fight at the front of the race.
The Monegasque driver has finished in the top four at the last three races after a quiet spell and looks ready to become a factor again, as he was in the first part of the season when he opened with eight top-four finishes including his win in Monaco.
Both Ferraris gained ground in the race last week, with Leclerc making the podium having started sixth on the grid, while Carlos Sainz climbed five places in the race to finish fifth.
CHARLES LECLERC EACH-WAY
Albon To Put Tough Weekend Behind Him
Williams were hoping that their weekend in the Netherlands would be notable for an improved performance from an upgrade package.
It didn't quite work out that way as Logan Sargeant smashed his car to pieces in third practice and missed qualifying. He also subsequently lost his seat, with Franco Colapinto set to take over his car for the rest of the season.
Alex Albon was able to show the car's improved performance in qualifying when finishing an impressive eighth, but he had to start from the back of the grid after it failed a technical inspection.
The Thai driver improved five places to finish 14th, but will be out to achieve a fair bit more at Monza and can target a third points finish of the season.
Albon was sixth at Monza during his Red Bull days and the Williams showcased its straight-line prowess as he finished seventh in Italy last year from sixth on the grid.
ALEX ALBON POINTS FINISH
