Juan Pablo Montoya anticipates a challenging Dutch Grand Prix for Mercedes at Circuit Zandvoort. The former Formula 1 driver believes Mercedes will face significant pressure from both Max Verstappen and McLaren during the upcoming race weekend. Montoya expects a highly competitive field in the Netherlands.
The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, scheduled for August 21-23, marks the sixth and final year of Formula 1’s return to Zandvoort. This event will also feature the first F1 Sprint race held on Dutch soil.
Circuit Zandvoort is known for its demanding layout, featuring a 4.3-kilometre track with 14 corners. Its banked corners, including Tarzanbocht and Arie Luyendykbocht, contribute to its ‘old-school’ character. The narrow circuit makes overtaking particularly difficult.
Montoya specifically highlighted McLaren’s potential, predicting the team will be ‘very, very fast’ at Zandvoort. McLaren’s Lando Norris is an early favourite for the event, having secured a victory in Hungary and topped initial practice sessions at Zandvoort earlier this month.
McLaren currently holds third position in the Constructors’ standings. Team Principal Andrea Stella acknowledged the team paid a ‘heavy price’ this season due to their 2025 championship pursuit. However, an upgrade package introduced at the Hungaroring has improved their competitiveness.
Red Bull Racing, with Max Verstappen, is also expected to be ‘quite competitive’ at his home race. Despite this, Red Bull has experienced a difficult 2026 season, currently without a race win. The team sits sixth in the standings.
Verstappen has achieved two second-place finishes this season, in Austria and Hungary. He has openly criticised the 2026 regulations, describing them as his ‘least favourite’ era due to car dynamics and reduced grip.
Former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley rated Red Bull’s 2026 performance at 5.5 out of 10, citing ‘too many basic problems’ and inconsistent issues. The Red Bull-Ford power unit is considered a strong component, allowing for higher downforce configurations.
Mercedes, despite Montoya’s prediction of a tough challenge, has been identified by some models as leading the predicted weekend order for Zandvoort. Max Verstappen himself had previously suggested in October 2025 that Mercedes would be a front-runner in 2026, particularly with their engine.
Montoya anticipates a strong performance from Ferrari as well, contributing to a tightly contested race. The unique demands of Zandvoort, including high downforce, high-speed sections, and significant tyre wear, will test all teams.
