Formula 1 returns after the summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix and the fifth sprint weekend of the 2026 season.
Kimi Antonelli leads the world championship standings by 50 points and secured a podium last time out in Hungary. His nearest challenger is Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, while Mercedes teammate George Russell is a further five points off the pace.
Lando Norris claimed his and McLaren’s first victory of the season in Budapest and the reigning world champions will be looking to continue their decent form after the three-week summer recess.
Yet this year’s event at Zandvoort will be the last at the old-school circuit, with the Dutch GP’s contract not being renewed with F1 beyond 2026. It gives Max Verstappen, who signed a new contract this week, one last opportunity to add to his three wins in front of his adoring orange-clad supporters.
Follow live coverage of the Dutch Grand Prix with The Independent
Five things to look forward to as F1 returns after summer break with Dutch Grand Prix
Kimi Antonelli heads into the second half of the Formula 1 season with all the momentum and a seismic 50-point lead in the world championship.
The 19-year-old Mercedes driver, looking to become the sport’s youngest-ever champion, has dazzled with his composure and class thus far, claiming six grand prix wins so far.
Yet teammate George Russell, who has endured a tough opening 11 races, took a small step in the right direction with pole position for the Saturday sprint race this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Zandvoort is hosting an F1 grand prix for the final time this weekend, with the old-school circuit surrounded by sand dunes on the North Sea opting not to renew its contract with the sport beyond this year.
But with 12 rounds in 16 weekends, what else is there to look forward to in the second-half of the season?
Five things to look forward to as F1 returns after summer break with Dutch Grand Prix
Twelve rounds in 16 weekends across four continents will make for a hectic second half of the 2026 campaignKieran Jackson22 August 2026 10:17
Top-10 in the driver standings
Kimi Antonelli has a 50-point lead over Lewis Hamilton.
1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 219 points
2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 169 points
3. George Russell (Mercedes) – 160 points
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 138 points
5. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 128 points
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 109 points
7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 92 points
8. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 68 points
9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 43 points
10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 42 points
Kieran Jackson22 August 2026 10:12
Start times in Zandvoort this weekend:
Time BST
Saturday 22 August
- Sprint race: 11am
- Qualifying: 3pm
Sunday 23 August
- Race: 2pm
Kieran Jackson22 August 2026 10:07
F1 Dutch GP sprint
Good morning and welcome to live coverage of the sprint race in Zandvoort!
F1 is back after the summer break and we’re back with a helter-skelter sprint weekend at the final Dutch Grand Prix.
George Russell is on pole ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris – what drama will we get on the North Sea coast today?
Kieran Jackson22 August 2026 10:04