The Dutch Grand Prix has become known for three things: rain, wind and Super Max. It seems that this year will be no different, with the forecast predicting tumultuous weather as the Orange Army hopes for a win at home for Max Verstappen.
After a statement drive from Championship contender Lando Norris in 2024, just nine points separating him from Championship leader and teammate Oscar Piastri, and Verstappen struggling to wrangle his Red Bull, the Dutch Grand Prix has all the makings of a chaotic weekend.
What can viewers expect if it rains?
Zandvoort is notorious for wet conditions, and teams will be going in prepared. Mixed conditions are expected across the weekend, but rain and wind look more than certain. We have seen several wet races this season, producing epic battles between McLaren teammates Norris and Piastri in both Australia at the season opener and more recently at the Belgian Grand Prix. With both drivers showing proven pace in mixed conditions, it could be a close battle to the chequered flag.
🏖| A track with plenty of history, some amazing victories and banked corners!
The Zandvoort Circuit is deemed one of the best qualifying laps on the current calendar.#F1 #DutchGP pic.twitter.com/2KrHUrPvaM
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) August 27, 2025
Pirelli have announced the tyre compounds available for the weekend, opting to run the C2 as the hard tyre, the C3 as the medium, and the C4 as the soft compound. The tyres are put under a lot of strain at Zandvoort due to the nature of the circuit, featuring high-speed corners and the iconic banking. Pirelli stated that tyre degradation will be high, forcing teams to really consider their pit strategy, as overtaking can be a tricky task at this track.
With an added element of rain, we will certainly see intermediate tyres and the full wet compound thrown into the mix, with viewers hoping to see cars on track despite conditions.
Who to look out for in the mixed conditions
Aside from the Championship battle, there will be plenty of excitement up and down the grid. Rain is often referred to as a great equaliser between drivers, as they have to rely on pure pace, instinct, and tyre management. While all the drivers bring a wealth of skills to the track, some really do stand out for their wet-weather racing.
Those at the track will be hoping to see another Max Verstappen masterclass if it rains, after a difficult first half of the season for the Dutch driver. Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton will be hoping for wild conditions, hoping to capitalise after a painful few races with Ferrari. After a shock first podium for Nico Hulkenberg at the 2025 British Grand Prix in mixed conditions, he could be one to watch out for, well known for his skilled driving in the rain.
Zandvoort, the countdown is on… 👀
Set your alarms for this weekend’s track sessions. ⏰ #F1Academy #DutchGP pic.twitter.com/d49Dtv7ROB
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) August 27, 2025
Fans who watch F1 Academy, the all-female feeder series, will be hoping for a smooth weekend in the Netherlands, after rain in Miami earlier in the season meant that the feature race could not go ahead. Luckily, a replacement race took place in Canada, but with the F1 Academy season coming to an end soon, drivers will want to maximise on points.
What are you most looking forward to this weekend, as the summer break finally comes to an end?
