Though George Russell was the favorite for pole position, Lando Norris didn’t let people think that for long as he was in front for most of qualifying and eventually was able to set a stunning lap time in Q3 to shoot right up to P1. Russell can’t say he didn’t give it his best effort, but it was McLaren who ended up on top this time around. Below is the full qualifying report.
Q1 Report:
It was Oscar Piastri to top the timesheets at the end of Q1, with Lewis Hamilton behind. Meanwhile Red Bull did not have a stress-free session, and both drivers were far down the order, much slower than the two Racing Bulls, even though they were both able to make it through to Q2. Audi also made it through to the next round, and it’s worth keeping an eye on them to see if they can get one or both cars into the top ten once more.
The drivers eliminated were Carlos Sainz, which is just more disappointment for the Spainard, Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, Ollie Bearman, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.
Q2 Report:
Both McLarens were at the top by the end of the session, this time with Norris in front. Meanwhile Mercedes wasn’t looking as fast as they’d like, while Ferrari has mixed results with Leclerc and Hamilton. Liam Lawson will be pleased, though, to get through to the top ten along with Max Verstappen. Arvid Lindblad also made it through to Q3 for the eighth time while Tsunoda was eliminated. Bortoleto also was able to make it to the shootout, though Pierre Gasly could not repeat a top ten start.
All drivers eliminated were Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda, Nico Hulkenberg, Franco Colapinto, Esteban Ocon, and Alex Albon.
Q3 Report:
Though rain fell in the final stages of Q3, many drivers were both able to improve from their first flying lap, but it was Lando Norris who managed to set a mighty time of 1:11.163s to secure an incredible pole position ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix. George Russell was only one tenth behind but at the end of the day, Mercedes just didn’t have enough speed to beat the Mclaren to P1. Kimi Antonelli had a better qualifying this time around with third position, while Oscar Piastri couldn’t match his teammate and only finished P4. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were fifth and sixth respectively, while Max Verstappen secured what will be a disappointing seventh. Liam Lawson, on the other hand, will be pleased with his eighth-place result, and Gabriel Bortoleto and Arvid Lindblad rounded out the top ten.
It’ll be all to play for tomorrow, and whether or not Lando Norris will be able to convert this pole into a second Grand Prix victory will only be determined when the checkered flag is waved on Sunday.
