Max Verstappen has secured victory in every Dutch Grand Prix from pole position since the race's return to the Formula One calendar in 2021. However, the Red Bull driver, a three-time world champion, faces a challenging weekend ahead. Zandvoort has transformed into a seaside celebration for Verstappen's enthusiastic Orange Army, yet the 26-year-old is currently experiencing his longest losing streak in four years. Mercedes has claimed victory in three of the last four races, and with a 78-point lead and 10 rounds left, Verstappen has not celebrated a win since his victory in Spain on June 23. In fact, he has only managed one podium finish since Barcelona. Sunday marks Verstappen's 200th start in Formula One, making him the youngest driver to achieve this milestone, and he aims to make it a memorable occasion. "The atmosphere is always fantastic, and the fans are incredible, so it's a special one for me," he remarked, expressing his readiness for the second half of the season following the August break. "We are looking forward to the week ahead and hopefully we can be fighting for the win." Mexican teammate Sergio Perez, who is yet to win this season among the top four teams, has a new race engineer as Hugh Bird goes on paternity leave, with Richard Wood stepping in. "I know what we can extract from the car in the coming weeks and we will do our best to maximize the second half of 2024," Perez stated, acknowledging his recent poor form that has put Red Bull at risk in the constructors' standings. McLaren is only 42 points behind, with Australian Oscar Piastri securing a win and two second places in his last four races, while British teammate Lando Norris remains in second overall despite costly mistakes. Mercedes' seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has won two of the last three races, especially after teammate George Russell was disqualified from first place in Belgium just before the break. The 39-year-old, bound for Ferrari, has scored more points than any other driver in the last four races but still trails Verstappen by 127 points. "We know we have ground to make up. We are not yet able to compete for victories at every Grand Prix," cautioned team boss Toto Wolff. "We have made good steps in improving the W15's weaknesses though and will continue to work hard to take more. If we can do so, then we will close the gap to those ahead in both championships." Ferrari's campaign might be reviving as well, with Monaco winner Charles Leclerc securing pole again in Belgium and finishing third after a fourth place in Hungary. With a home race at Monza immediately following Zandvoort, Ferrari fans will be seeking positive signs. Further back, Renault-owned Alpine will celebrate a year since their last podium appearance, and with a new team boss, Oliver Oakes, making his debut in place of Bruno Famin.