In a thrilling qualifying session for the Dutch Grand Prix, McLaren’s Lando Norris secured pole position with a blistering lap time of 1:09.673, outpacing local favorite and championship leader Max Verstappen by 0.356 seconds. This marks the first time since the circuit’s return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2021 that Verstappen has not topped qualifying at Zandvoort.Norris, visibly elated with his performance, stated, ‘It’s incredible. I did a great lap at the end, so I’m very happy, the team has done a great job. The feeling in the car was great, and it seems that the new updates we’ve introduced this week are working very well’. This pole position is Norris’s third of the season and the fourth of his career.The qualifying session was marked by challenging conditions, with strong winds affecting driver performance. Despite this, McLaren showcased their strength with Oscar Piastri securing third place on the grid, just 0.499 seconds behind his teammate.Verstappen, who will start from second position in what will be his 200th Grand Prix, remained optimistic despite losing his home pole streak. He commented, ‘We were lacking some speed. I’m still happy to be in the front row. It’s difficult with the wind’.The session also saw some surprising results, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton failing to reach Q3 and set to start from 12th position. Similarly, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. will start from 11th. Both drivers struggled with the tricky conditions, highlighting the day’s unpredictability.As the grid takes shape for Sunday’s race, all eyes will be on Norris as he attempts to convert his pole position into his first Grand Prix victory. However, with Verstappen starting alongside him and holding a 78-point lead in the championship, the Dutch driver remains a formidable challenger on his home turf.
Key points
- Lando Norris secured pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix with a time of 1:09.
- This is the first time since 2021 that Max Verstappen hasn’t topped qualifying at Zandvoort.
- McLaren showed strong performance with Oscar Piastri taking third place.
- Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz Jr.
673.
failed to reach Q3, starting 12th and 11th respectively.
