On Aug. 25, the Formula One (F1) racing division returned from its summer break, which leaves fans excited for what is yet to come. Over the break, racers have shared their enjoyable vacations around the world, from California to Italy; their well-needed break has come to an end. 

“It feels like a fresh start, where every team has used the break to regroup, analyze, and find any edge they can,” Medha Abbedi ‘28, an F1 fan, said. 

Before the break, the drivers competed head-on in Hungary. Lando Norris, who drives for McLaren, finished in first place. Oscar Piastri, who is also a McLaren driver, finished in second place. And third place was taken by George Russell, who drives for Mercedes. 

 After a long wait from the fans, the drivers jumped into a wild race at the Zandvoort track in the Netherlands. Within lap 53 of the race, both Ferrari drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, were out. Lando Norris, a popular winner this year, did not finish due to engine failure. 

“I think that last week’s race was pretty extreme; however, I personally am super happy with the outcome,” Naya Damacharla ‘28 said.

The drivers who made the podium at the end of the race were Piastri in first place and Max Verstappen, who drove for Red Bull Racing in second place. In third place stood Isak Hadjar, who had a phenomenal race and got his first podium as a rookie driver for the team Racing Bulls. 

“I know much better how I need to move around and how I need to behave during the race weekend to be able to be 100 per cent every time I go in the car,” Mercedes rookie Kimi said to F1 media. 

After Ferrari’s tragic results in Zandvoort, the team can hope to carry on their streak from their Monza win in 2024 and podium this year. With 17 races finished and eight to go, there will be a tense remainder of the season for the drivers as well as the fans. It will all lead up to the final race in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to find who will be champion for the 2025 season.