Updated
Updated · Formula 1 · Aug 22
Lando Norris Takes Dutch GP Pole in 1:11.163 as Rain Threat Foils George Russell
Updated
Updated · Formula 1 · Aug 22

Lando Norris Takes Dutch GP Pole in 1:11.163 as Rain Threat Foils George Russell

3 articles · Updated · Formula 1 · Aug 22

Summary

  • 1:11.163 put Lando Norris on pole at Zandvoort after he squeezed in a final improvement as rain hit late in Q3, denying George Russell by 0.102 seconds.
  • Mercedes still locked out the next two spots, with Russell second and Kimi Antonelli third, while Oscar Piastri—quick for much of qualifying—slipped to fourth.
  • Ferrari filled the third row through Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, ahead of Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson, with Gabriel Bortoleto and Arvid Lindblad completing the top 10.
  • Track position had already looked crucial after Russell won the Sprint earlier Saturday, making Norris' late lap a significant boost before Sunday's race at 1500 local time.

Insights

With every Zandvoort race since 2021 won from pole, can anyone stop Lando Norris from claiming the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix victory?
Did the sudden rain in Q3 mask McLaren's weaknesses, leaving them vulnerable to Mercedes' proven race pace on Sunday?
As Red Bull battles fundamental car flaws, will Max Verstappen's dismal seventh-place start spell the end of his dominance at Zandvoort?