For the first time in four years, F1 returns after the traditional summer interval with the race for the drivers’ world championship very much in the balance.

McLaren’s impressive dominance – but intriguing refusal to label a driver their clear No 1 – means it is a straight shoot-out between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris for their first ever title, in a battle set to go down to the wire. Ahead of round 15 this weekend in Zandvoort, the Australian has a lead of just nine points .

Further down the pack, there are plenty of talking points, not least Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton ’s tumultuous partnership so far. The seven-time world champion is yet to finish on the podium ; a record he will be desperate to extinguish in the remaining 10 races.

For most other teams, primary focu

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