Starting in pole position in front of “its” full stands (305,000 spectators over the weekend), the Batavian delighted its public by winning – like last year already – under the cheers of a white-hot orange tide.

But unlike 2021, the Dutch round was not a walk in the park for the reigning world champion: "we had to push all the way", he admitted on arrival.

The round notably offered a fleeting duel of yesteryear between Verstappen and his rival for the 2021 season, the Briton Lewis Hamilton, a time in the lead of the race under yellow flag.

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But once the race restarted with less than 15 laps remaining, the first, on fresh soft tyres, made short work of his competitor's Mercedes, on more worn medium tyres.

On arrival, Hamilton fails at the foot of the podium ... with the regret of not having been called to the pits to change tires at the appropriate time.

The 37-year-old seven-time world champion has yet to win a race after 15 rounds, a first in his F1 career which began in 2007, the fault of a Mercedes not at the level of the best.

- Tire not ready –

On the Zandvoort circuit - a short, narrow, hilly route with inclined turns taken at high speed - Verstappen won ahead of the other Mercedes, that of Briton George Russell and Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 3rd.

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"We showed incredible pace today, which gives us a lot of confidence for the future," said Russell.

To complete his weekend at home, "Mad Max" offered the best lap on the track, earning an additional point in the championship.

A small point far from being decisive in the title race, the Dutchman now counting 310 points ahead of Leclerc and Sergio Pérez (Red Bull), tied on points (201 points each).

Pérez finished 5th on the Zandvoort coastal course.

Behind, Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), who started 3rd on the grid, fails in 8th place, after having received a 5-second penalty for his dangerous exit into the pit lane at the end of the race.

Earlier, the Spaniard, then 3rd in the race, had also lost precious seconds ... the fault of a left rear tire not ready during his first pit stop.

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The French Esteban Ocon (Alpine) and Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) - who could run together next season for Alpine, still looking for a second driver to replace Fernando Alonso - finished 9th and 11th.

Alonso, benefiting from Sainz's penalty, finished in a good 6th place.

The season continues with a third race in a fortnight, scheduled for next weekend in Monza, Italy, this time at Ferrari.

© 2022 AFP