2025 Dutch Grand Prix race predictions: F1 experts share their opinions on the Zandvoort weekend

Follow us on Google Discover

Formula 1 is back after a four-week summer break, and we’re headed to Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix.

The fourteenth race of the 2025 season will take place this weekend, with drivers returning well-rested ahead of the last 10 races of the year.

Max Verstappen will be hoping to take his fourth victory in front of home crowds on Sunday, which could see him take the record for the most wins at the circuit.

With a fairly dull summer break ‘silly season’, many will be anticipating driver line-up announcements over the coming weeks, with all eyes on George Russell’s future at Mercedes and who could be joining Verstappen at Red Bull next year.

Our expert writers have given their predictions on who is taking the first pole and victory back from the summer break, as well as who they think could surprise and disappoint.

Who will start from pole for the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix?

Kyle Archer – Oscar Piastri

“With a 55% chance of rain on the pre-event forecast for qualifying day at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort could enjoy a surprise pole position winner as F1 comes out of its summer break. But, more likely than not, a McLaren driver will secure pole again.

“The question will be whether Lando Norris can score his fifth pole of 2025, or will drivers’ championship-leader Oscar Piastri record his fifth of the season? It would also be Piastri’s first pole since the Spanish Grand Prix back in round nine, after which Norris secured two.

“Norris scored pole for the 2024 Dutch GP, as well, but Piastri will feel confident going into qualifying this Saturday if rain drenches Zandvoort. Piastri was the faster McLaren driver in the 2025 British Grand Prix at a rain-soaked Silverstone, but he paid the price for a penalty.

“Without Piastri’s 10-second penalty for a safety car restart infringement at Silverstone in July, then Norris would not have beaten the Australian to win the British GP. Piastri led his teammate by 14.096s before the first safety car and was not in danger before his penalty.”

Who will win the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix?

Ben Evans – Oscar Piastri

“Piastri may have watched Norris win three of the last four races, but luck hasn’t been on his side in that time. If everything goes as expected, the Australian should be marginally quicker across a race distance, however, the changeable weather forecast could spring a surprise.

“The margins are going to be extremely tight across the race weekend, but Piastri should have what it takes to extend his lead in the drivers’ championship.”

Which driver will be the biggest surprise of the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix?

Ashley Hambly – Isack Hadjar

“After a bright start to the season, Hadjar’s results tailed off towards the summer break as he registered his fifth consecutive race outside of the points. In the other side of the garage, Liam Lawson has managed to catch up to him after getting up to speed with the VCARB 02 and brought home 16 points in the same amount of time.

“Hadjar hates losing to his Racing Bulls teammate, and there’s no doubt he will be looking to assert his dominance within the team over his fellow rookie in the final ten rounds of the season. The Frenchman performed well on the tight and twisting Monaco circuit, so I can see him translating that to the winding sand dunes of Zandvoort to further add to his tally in hopes of a potential spot in the Red Bull garage for the 2026 season.”

Who will be the biggest flop of the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix?

Rory Mitchell – Max Verstappen

“Verstappen gave up his crown at the Dutch GP last year when he conceded to Lando Norris, and it looks like he will be doing the same this year. The Zandvoort circuit is the shortest on the calendar, making it an outlier, so strategy is key.

“Red Bull used to be king of strategy, but amidst all their car troubles, it has taken its toll on the rest of the team. Expect Verstappen to be in the hunt for a podium, but it will be a disappointing result for the Dutch fans expecting him to take one final win before Zandvoort drops off the calendar.”