Norris 'refreshed' as Verstappen 'fight' to resume

Lando Norris heads into this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix "refreshed" and ready to "fight", following an enjoyable summer break. 

The McLaren driver goes to Zandvoort second in the drivers' championship and 78 points behind Verstappen, with a victory for the Red Bull driver this weekend likely enough to end any realistic title chance for Norris. 

Norris is enjoying his strongest F1 season to-date and has looked competitive in almost every round, although Oscar Piastri had the better of him in Hungary and Belgium. 

McLaren is in an incredible position to further reduce Red Bull's lead in the constructors' standings, which currently sits at 42 points. 

A staggering final 10 races is required from the Briton to take the crown from Verstappen, with several more victories being needed for Norris to have any fighting chance. 

Norris has come close to several wins this season, although his maiden Miami Grand Prix victory remains his only F1 triumph. 

Zandvoort is a circuit McLaren are expected to perform strongly at, based on the fact the MCL38 was exceptional across all types of circuits ahead of the summer break.

If Norris can win in the Netherlands, the title dynamic in both championships will change.

“We’re back! I had a great time over summer break," said Norris. "It’s always good to take some time off and focus on spending time with family and friends. 

"I feel refreshed and ready for the final 10 races of the year. I’m looking forward to the Dutch Grand Prix. It’s a good race to start the second half of the season. 

"There are always a lot of fans in the crowd who bring a great atmosphere to be a part of. It’s also a fun circuit to drive. 

"Hopefully, we can continue where we left off and continue bringing the fight for wins and podiums.”