ZANDVOORT: McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed a stunning pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix by a hefty margin in a thrilling qualifying session affected by strong gusts on Saturday and became the first driver to qualify ahead of Max Verstappen at the Formula One championship leader’s home circuit.

Red Bull’s Verstappen, who had been on pole at Zandvoort every year since the circuit returned in 2021 and has yet to be beaten there, will still line up alongside the Briton on the front row.

Australian Oscar Piastri qualified in third place for McLaren and George Russell completed the second row for Mercedes, winners of three of the last four races.

“I felt comfortable out there. The car felt amazing. We had some upgrades and everything is working very well,” said Norris after lapping the seaside circuit with a best time of one minute 09.673 seconds. “I’m excited for tomorrow. I’m sure it will be tough. Max has been quick all weekend. I know we got him today but he’s still second and will put up a good fight, especially at his home race.”

Verstappen, who could suffer a fifth defeat in a row on Sunday, took provisional pole from Norris with his second flying lap but the roar of the crowd soon subsided as the McLaren went 0.356 quicker.

McLaren boss Zak Brown, his team only 42 points behind Red Bull, hailed the effort as a ‘monster lap’.

“We lacked a bit of pace. I’m still happy to be on the front row. It’s tricky out there with the wind,” said Verstappen. “I’m happy with second. I think after yesterday, this was a good result,” added the 26-year-old.

Verstappen nevertheless enjoys a 78-point lead in the drivers’ championship over closest rival Norris, who has admitted he faces an uphill climb to overhaul the Dutchman.

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez qualified fifth with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc sixth and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso seventh.

Alex Albon will line up eighth for Williams with Lance Stroll ninth for Aston Martin and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly completing the top 10 on the grid.

There was disappointment for Mercedes as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was eliminated after the second round of qualifying, as was Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

Hamilton will start 12th on the grid, with Sainz 11th.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2024