PADDOCK INSIDER: All the stories that got the Zandvoort paddock talking

Max Verstappen stole the headlines as the Formula 1 fraternity regrouped after the summer break when he announced a contract extension with Red Bull until the end of 2030. But that was just one of many stories tickling the Zandvoort paddock on Thursday ahead of this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix.

Lawson focusing on getting the most out of a "good opportunity"

Liam Lawson was just getting off the plane after landing from holiday on Monday when he got the call that he was required to stand-in for Isack Hadjar at Red Bull this weekend, the Frenchman having suffered a wrist injury.

The New Zealander has been in the form of his life so far this year, scoring six times in the last seven Grands Prix to sit best of the rest and ninth in the standings.

Naturally, he wasn't expecting a shot back at Red Bull this soon – having had two Grands Prix with the team last year before getting demoted – but he knew it was always a possibility and is focused on doing the best job he can.