When does F1 return after summer break? Syed Talib Haider •

McLaren’s dominance has defined the first half of the 2025 Formula One season, with 11 wins in 14 races and its Papaya duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris separated by just nine points in the drivers’ standings.

Their margin over Ferrari in the constructors’ race is a massive 299 points, giving the team the luxury of letting its drivers fight freely without jeopardizing the bigger prize. This campaign is also the swan song for the current technical regulations, meaning the competitive order is unlikely to shift dramatically before the overhaul in 2026.

Meanwhile, the Piastri–Norris battle has been shaped as much by technical tweaks as by raw pace. Early-season understeer issues hindered Norris, while Piastri adapted more quickly, building an early lead.

McLaren’s mid-season suspension update brought Norris back into rhythm, yielding three wins in four races and trimming the deficit. Both know this may be their one clear shot at the crown before the rulebook resets.

With Red Bull and Ferrari struggling for consistency, the duel has become the season’s central drama. Max Verstappen’s occasional brilliance can’t mask his car’s unpredictability, while Ferrari remains winless despite flashes of competitiveness.

The summer shutdown now freezes development for two weeks, forcing teams to regroup ahead of the final 10-race sprint. If the first half is any indicator, the fight for the drivers’ title will go down to the wire.

When does F1 return after summer break?

The 2025 Formula 1 summer break started after the Hungarian Grand Prix on Monday, 4 August. It will continue till August 28, before the final-10 stretch begins. 

Racing action resumes at the 4.259km Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands, with the Dutch Grand Prix weekend kicking off on Friday, August 29, and running through Sunday, August 31.

(All times in ET)

Dutch Grand Prix TV channel, live stream

Here’s how to watch the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix across U.S.:

In the United States, ESPN will provide live television coverage of the race. Streaming options are available on ESPN+, Fubo, and F1 TV.

Fubo carries all the top leagues and teams, plus popular shows, movies and news for the entire household. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

F1 race schedule 2025

*Sprint format