International media see Norris' title chances grow: 'Painful blow for Max'

Bild

"Not happened for years: a bitter defeat for Verstappen," headlined Bild on Monday morning. The German newspaper spoke of a negative first for the Dutchman. "Since Zandvoort was put back on the Formula 1 calendar after a long break in 2021, the three-time champion always emerged victorious, but that series is now coming to an end."

The Red Bull Racing driver saw Norris narrow the gap by eight points, to 70 points. With nine GPs to go to bridge that gap, although Verstappen is still labelled a favourite. "It is unlikely that Norris can make the championship exciting again. However, McLaren is now the favourite in the constructors' championship, despite being 30 points behind Red Bull."

L'Equipe

France also took notice of Verstappen's failure to secure a fourth consecutive win at Zandvoort. "He was beaten for the first time on home soil. Max finished second, far behind the untouchable Lando Norris in his fast McLaren. It was enough to revive the constructors' championship, but it also offers the prospect of some excitement in the drivers' standings," said L'Equipe, which was further particularly impressed by the way Norris' victory came about.

"Perfection does not exist in this world. At least not yet for Lando, who again went wrong with his start on Sunday afternoon. However, it was probably the only mistake that could be blamed on him, given his impressive performance. He was accused of having a shaky mentality and not being able to handle the pressure, but on his return from holiday he delivered a great performance that must be very painful for his friend and Monaco neighbour, Max Verstappen," the sports newspaper said.

AS

According to Spain's AS, Verstappen not only lost ground on Norris in the World Championship but also took a mental blow. "Mathematically, Norris came eight points closer, but fortunately top sport is about much more than numbers. The way Norris scored his second F1 victory, with such overwhelming dominance, from pole position, in the champion's backyard, overtaking on track, in a McLaren from another era, was great. A flawless performance - leaving aside the start - and in a way that other great drivers so often showed."

Verstappen is still defending a comfortable margin in the World Championship, but it's certainly not going to be as easy as the past two years. "With his victory in the Dutch GP, Lando is 70 points behind the leader with nine races (and two sprints) to go until Abu Dhabi. Maybe there is no world championship in it, but there is already a rival [for 2025]. After three days and three nights of blaring music, the fans left the orange grandstand in silence."

La Gazzetta dello Sport

In Italy, they see McLaren as having the greatest chance of becoming the best team after two constructors' titles in a row for Red Bull. "The Woking-based team has the best chances to win the constructors' championship and Norris still has a chance among the drivers. Verstappen, not winning for the first time at his home circuit, has the speed, experience and calibre to stay at the top, but the Norris from Zandvoort could - especially if he finally gets rid of his problems at the start - cause problems," says the La Gazzetta dello Sport, which concludes,"With nine races to go in the season, the Dutchman's margin does not seem unassailable."

HLN

According to Belgian HLN, the Zandvoort Grand Prix was the second turning point in the season. "The first, which was in Miami at the beginning of May. After five GPs in which that Red Bull drove like an unapproachable rocket, suddenly McLaren came to play up front there. Thanks to a substantial package of updates the British team brought back then. At Zandvoort, over three and a half months later, McLaren brought a second major update for the car. A second turning point. Seriously, this time. Lando Norris won the Dutch Grand Prix by just under 23 seconds."

The newspaper states that a new Norris also stood up last weekend in the dunes. "At last, the Belgian Briton drove like a champion. The 24-year-old Briton drove a very mature race, as he remained calm when surprised by Verstappen at the start. He struck decisively and mercilessly on lap 18, then managed his leading position with precision and great care for his tyres. Just fast enough. Only on the last lap did Lando seek the limit once more: it earned him the fastest lap time and an additional extra World Championship point. Mature. Handsome. Perfect."

This article has been written in collaboration with Matt Gretton