Norris produces stunning lap to beat Verstappen to Dutch GP pole

Lando Norris produced a stunning lap to deny Max Verstappen pole position at his home Dutch Grand Prix for the first time in his career.

McLaren’s Norris had established himself as the favourite for pole by narrowly topping Q2 in windy conditions at Zandvoort, but went 0.356s clear of Red Bull’s Verstappen on the final round of flying laps at the end of the session.

The result boosts Norris’ hopes of chasing down world championship leader Verstappen, who he trails by 78 points at the top of the drivers’ standings.

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Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz struggled to continue as they dropped out in Q2 at the Dutch Grand Prix

Given Verstappen never appeared to have the pace to take pole, the Dutchman will be relieved that he was able to beat Norris’ McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri to second, with the Australian producing a sloppy final lap.

George Russell took fourth for Mercedes after team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who won two of the last three races before the sport’s summer break, qualified 12th following a shock Q2 exit.

Dutch GP Qualifying: Top 10

1) Lando Norris, McLaren

2) Max Verstappen, Red Bull

3) Oscar Piastri, McLaren

4) George Russell, Mercedes

5) Sergio Perez, Red Bull

6) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

7) Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin

8) Alex Albon, Williams

9) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin

10) Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Verstappen’s under-pressure team-mate Sergio Perez took fifth for Red Bull, who are attempting to defend a lead of just 42 points over McLaren at the top of the constructors’ standings.

Charles Leclerc was sixth for Ferrari, whose poor form continued as team-mate Carlos Sainz could only manage 11th as he was also knocked out in Q2.

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Logan Sargeant walked away safely after being involved in a huge crash during the third practice session

Fernando Alonso led a solid effort from Aston Martin by taking seventh ahead of team-mate Lance Stroll in ninth, with the pair split by a fine lap by Williams’ Alex Albon.

Albon’s team-mate Logan Sargeant didn’t feature in the session with Williams unable to repair his car after a big crash in final practice, and will start from the back of the grid.

More to follow…

Sky Sports F1’s live Dutch GP schedule

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Ahead of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, we look back at Max Verstappen’s three consecutive wins around Zandvoort

Sunday August 25
9.40am: F1 Academy: Race Two
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP build-up
2pm: The DUTCH GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Dutch GP reaction

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Source : Sky Sports

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