Formula 1 returned from its summer break with sprint qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix, held at Zandvoort on Friday, August 22, 2026. The session was closely contested, with Max Verstappen securing his first sprint pole of the season, edging out McLaren's Lando Norris by just 0.058 seconds. Oscar Piastri took third in the other McLaren.
Among the winners, Verstappen's performance was a strong statement in front of his home crowd, as he aims to extend his championship lead. Norris and Piastri's qualifying positions also highlighted McLaren's continued competitiveness, with both cars in the top three. Additionally, George Russell qualified fourth for Mercedes, showing solid pace after the break.
On the losing side, Ferrari had a disappointing session, with Charles Leclerc only managing seventh and Carlos Sainz ninth. The team struggled with balance and tire preparation, leaving them off the pace of the front-runners. Sergio Perez, in the second Red Bull, also had a tough session, qualifying sixth and facing a battle to make up ground in the sprint race.
The sprint race is scheduled for Saturday, August 23, and will set the grid for the main Grand Prix on Sunday. With Verstappen on pole, the home favorite will look to convert his qualifying advantage into a win, while Norris and Piastri will aim to challenge him.
