Ferrari endured yet another catastrophic weekend at Zandvoort, with both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc forced to retire from the Dutch Grand Prix on 31st August, just a week before the team’s home event in Monza.

Hamilton’s much‑anticipated debut season with Ferrari has hit more turbulence. After crashing into the barriers on Lap 23 amid damp conditions, he will now start from five places down on the grid at Monza due to a yellow‑flag infringement during qualifying—further heightening the pressure on the seven‑time champion ahead of Ferrari’s home race.

Double DNF compounds Ferrari woes

Then, after Hamilton’s exit, Leclerc collided with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli on the same turn, resulting in a second retirement for Ferrari. The team now head into Monza—traditionally a fortress for the Scuderia—without a single car finishing Zandvoort.

“Today hurts. It was a difficult weekend all along, and it ended in the worst way,” Leclerc said after the race. “In terms of pace, we were quite strong, which was a positive turn of events, and it was good to gain some positions.

“Heading to Monza now, which is a special place for me and the whole team. I don’t think we are in the same position as last year, but we will give it everything to recover and make it a great weekend for all our tifosi at home.”

McLaren dominance and title race shake-up

At the front, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri took a commanding win and extended his championship lead, while team-mate Lando Norris retired just laps from the finish in a devastating blow to his title hopes. Max Verstappen claimed second, while rookie Isack Hadjar sealed a stunning career-first podium. McLaren now hold a dominant position in both Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings.

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Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre