S2 Ep15: 2 In A Row for Lando. Should Kimi Be Worried?

F1 is back — and Zandvoort sent itself off in style. 🇳🇱Nicola and Ben are joined by the legendary Louise Goodman to unpack a Dutch Grand Prix that had everything: a Russell sprint masterclass, Lando Norris making it two in a row, and Max Verstappen celebrating his shiny new Red Bull contract with a first-lap trip into the barriers.On the agenda this week: Russell watch — sprint pole converted, sprint won, then mugged at the restart and forced to wave Antonelli through. Rear gunner or still a title contender? Norris on the charge — outscoring Kimi in both races and hunting down that championship lead on used hards. Have the 2026 regs finally clicked at McLaren? Ferrari being very Ferrari — quick in race trim, nowhere in qualifying, shouting on the radio, and very nearly taking each other out on the last lap. The Red Bull seat switcheroo — Hadjar's summer boxing mishap, Lawson's promotion, and Tsunoda's move to Racing Bulls. Aston Martin — Alonso doing Alonso things for P9. Can they reel in Williams? The 2027 driver market — Verstappen re-signed, Williams keeping both, and a whole lot of question marks at Alpine, Haas, Audi and Cadillac. You told us about James Vowles — we read out your (extremely spicy) messages on whether he'd have been sacked by now in any other sport. Louise's top 5 F1 fanbases, a proper Zandvoort story as we say goodbye to the circuit, and the latest on Jason Plato's BTCC troubles from Donington. Plus a look ahead to Monza, and the Prediction Championship of the World — where Ben's comeback rolls on and Nicola scored a big fat zero. 🥲Current standings: Nicola 46 · Producer Jim 38 · Ben 36 · Team Guest 21Don't forget to follow, hit the bell, and find us wherever you get your podcasts.📱 @ESSENTIALF1 on all the socials.