Contenders primed to chase down Antonelli as F1 season resumes

The young Italian has a substantial lead but his rivals will not see him as being out of reach going into the Dutch GP The Dutch Grand Prix may be hosting its final meeting on the Formula One calendar this weekend but its farewell heralds the opening of a championship run-in that is far from over.

Rested, reset and ready to rumble, there is an anticipatory air among the title contenders in Zandvoort as they enter the sharp end of a fight which, as last season demonstrated, could yet be taken to the finale.

Resuming after F1’s summer break there is, as always, a sprightly atmosphere to the sport.

Team members have had time with their families and drivers have had a chance to decompress, assess, heck, even have a bit of fun, with Mercedes’ George Russell becoming engaged to his partner Carmen Montero Mundt and Lando Norris out and about in Ibiza with pals.

Lewis Hamilton got his head down and trained hard, proclaiming himself fitter then ever, energised and refreshed, while Max Verstappen emerged at his home race to announce a new contract with his Red Bull team .

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