Dutch GP Win Puts Piastri in Control

McLaren driver goes 34 points clear of teammate Norris, who retires while in 2nd

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ZANDVOORT - Oscar Piastri won the Dutch Grand Prix on Aug 31 to take a mighty 34-point lead in the Formula One championship, as McLaren teammate and title rival Lando Norris saw his hopes go up in smoke.

On a day of drama, with both Ferrari drivers crashing out in separate incidents, McLaren had been heading for a record-equalling fifth successive one-two win until Norris suffered late despair.

After saying he could smell smoke in the cockpit, the Briton slowed and retired from second place on lap 65 of 72 with visible evidence coming out of the back of his stricken car.

Piastri, 24, said: "It feels good, obviously. I controlled the race when I needed to and obviously it was incredibly unfortunate for Lando at the end.

"But I felt like I was in control of that one and just used the pace when I needed to... so very happy with all the work we've done to try to improve around here and very satisfied to come out on top.