Martin Brundle hails ‘tenacious’ 36-podium F1 driver after fantastic Dutch Grand Prix display

Follow us on Google Discover

Lando Norris put in a standout performance on his way to a dominant victory in the Dutch Grand Prix, but there was another driver who put on an impressive display.

Ferrari had been struggling most of the weekend with both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc playing down their prospects entering the race.

Leclerc was nearly a second off the pole time set by Norris, but things turned out better for the Scuderia on Sunday. A good start for the Monogasque enabled him to pass Sergio Perez, before putting the pressure on Oscar Piastri for fourth.

As the race progressed, Leclerc managed to get ahead of Piastri and cross the line in a solid and unexpected P3. Piastri remarked after the race that he was unable to overtake Leclerc due to the dirty air, which completely ‘ruined’ his efforts to get on the podium.

Former F1 driver and Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle offered praise for Leclerc, amid difficult times for Ferrari.

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Martin Brundle praises Charles Leclerc’s performance

Leclerc achieved his 36th F1 podium at Zandvoort, having also finished third at the Belgian Grand Prix before the summer break.

Brundle offered praise for the Monogasque and believes Ferrari is having to play catch up, after being out-developed by Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull.

“He’s [Leclerc] been more tenacious than fast as of late because Ferrari have just lost out in the development,” said Brundle.

“The development programme didn’t show dividends, others have, and they’ll regroup I’m sure.”

Ferrari looking towards 2025 season

Ferrari has likely started to turn development towards the 2025 season when Lewis Hamilton is also set to join Leclerc after announcing the move earlier in the season.

His experience will be important for car development going forward as they look to exploit Red Bull’s downturn in form in the last few races.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

It will also be a good opportunity for Hamilton to learn the ropes of Ferrari ahead of the planned regulation changes in 2026 when the cars will adopt all-new active aero and more powerful engines.

Whether Ferrari will have a car that can challenge for wins remains to be seen, but the driver combination of Leclerc and Hamilton will be one of the strongest on the grid.