Norris Tops Verstappen In Dutch GP Qualifying

McLaren’s Lando Norris powered to pole position for Sunday’s Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix.

Norris cleared Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen by over three tenths of a second to secure the top spot with a time of 1:09.673 seconds. 

“An amazing day,” Norris said. “It’s nice to be back and start with a pole. It was a nice lap, honestly. The qualifying was always pretty smooth and I put in some good laps, especially the one at the end, which is always the most important. A great job by the team and I’m happy with today.

“I’m excited for tomorrow. I’m sure it’s going to be tough. Max has been quick all weekend. I know we got him today, but he’s still second and he’s going to be putting up a good fight, specially at his home race. I’m looking forward to it.”

Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri slotted in third place, 0.356 seconds behind. 

George Russell led Mercedes’ charge in fourth ahead of Red Bull’s Sergio Perez in fifth. 

Charles Leclerc claimed sixth on the grid for Ferrari ahead of Fernando Alonso and Alex Albon. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly completed the top 10.

There were multiple surprise Q2 exits, including Carlos Sainz, who starts 11th. Seven-time F-1 champion Lewis Hamilton struggled in the session and starts 12th. 

Haas F-1’s Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen qualified 14th and 15th. 

After crashing in FP3, American Logan Sargeant was unable to qualify and he’ll start last in 20th.