The capacity crowd at Zandvoort was treated to exactly what it wanted as Max Verstappen triumphed on home soil to take his win tally for 2022 into double digits. For those watching on TV, they were treated to what they wanted too as, after the race initially appeared to be a damp squib, it evolved beautifully into a tactical grudge match with a satisfying late pass for the spoils.
It was Mercedes that came closest to knocking Verstappen and Red off the top step of the podium, thanks to inspired strategy and blistering speed that was undone by ill-timed virtual and full safety cars. This came as Ferrari faltered - its pace failing to inspire and its pitstops sticking to the poor form of this season - and Sergio Perez was well adrift of his benchmark teammate.
