After nearly a month-long summer hiatus, Formula One roars back to life this weekend at the picturesque seaside circuit of Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix. With 10 races remaining in the season, the world championship battle is heating up, particularly within the McLaren garage, as Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are separated by just nine points. Here are five major talking points ahead of Sunday’s race.

Verstappen faces pressure at home

Three-time world champion Max Verstappen returns to his home Grand Prix under unfamiliar pressure. Last year’s race at Zandvoort proved disastrous, a spin in a rain-hit practice session, a missed pole position, and a lacklustre race left him well off the podium and visibly frustrated. The Dutchman will be eager to bounce back in front of his passionate home supporters, who will once again flood the stands in a sea of orange. But with Red Bull not as dominant as in recent seasons, Verstappen will need to deliver something special to contend for the win.