McLaren return as favourites to Verstappens backyard

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FILE PHOTO: Formula One F1 - Dutch Grand Prix - Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands - August 25, 2024 McLarens Lando Norris in action during the race REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File Photo

Formula One ends its August break and goes straight back to the beach at Zandvoort this weekend, with Max Verstappens rowdy orange army cheering the home Dutch hero against McLaren domination.

McLarens championship leader Oscar Piastri and teammate Lando Norris, nine points behind after 14 of 24 races, have finished the last four races one-two.

Norris, triumphant last year in Zandvoort, will be chasing his fourth win in five races.

Few would bet against a fifth successive one-two for the papaya-liveried team as they get back on track after the mandatory summer shutdown, with Zandvoort followed on immediately by Italys Monza to round out the European season.

The atmosphere at the Dutch Grand Prix is always mega. Last year here was special, so I’m hyped to be returning, said Norris, who can take his career tally to 10 wins.

Were competitive, and ready to continue where we left off, so Im confident Ill be fighting out front again.

Australian Piastri has six wins to Norris five this season -- with Verstappen on two and without a podium appearance since Canada in June -- but he did finish fourth last time out in the Netherlands.

He can be expected to be far more competitive as he and Norris renew what would normally be considered hostilities, with a title at stake, but has so far been