What the teams said – Sprint Qualifying in the Netherlands
George Russell secured Sprint pole in the Netherlands after Mercedes’ strong Friday practice, while Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris rounded out the top three. Teams highlighted tight margins and challenging conditions ahead of the Grand Prix.
George Russell took Sprint pole in the Netherlands after Mercedes’ Friday practice left him narrowly behind his teammate. He delivered a clean final lap in SQ3, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris completed the top three. Teams noted the tight margins separating the field, with Russell’s advantage measured in hundredths of a second. The session also saw scattered incidents, including spins and gravel excursions, underscoring the circuit’s demanding nature.
Charles Leclerc secured third for Ferrari, just 0.055 seconds behind Russell, calling his lap one of his best of the year. Lewis Hamilton, however, struggled in SQ3 with soft tires, dropping to seventh. Both Ferrari drivers had moments in practice, navigating the Zandvoort track’s tricky conditions. Leclerc’s pace contrasted with Hamilton’s, who admitted the car felt different during Sprint Qualifying. The team plans to review data overnight to address balance issues before the Grand Prix.
Lando Norris qualified second for McLaren, narrowly missing pole despite topping SQ2. Oscar Piastri started fourth, both facing dirty-side grid positions for the Sprint. Norris acknowledged the tight battle and McLaren’s strong form, while Piastri called the session “bittersweet” after narrowly missing pole. The team highlighted their progress from Hungary and the need to refine details ahead of Qualifying. Upgrades to the McLaren W17 appeared to deliver expected performance, with both drivers competitive throughout the session.
Red Bull’s session was mixed, with Max Verstappen unhappy with his car’s balance in FP1, finishing sixth. Liam Lawson, making his 2026 debut, impressed in practice but narrowly missed SQ3. Verstappen cited ongoing balance issues, while Lawson struggled with the RB22’s unfamiliar setup. The team plans to address traction and balance overnight, aiming to improve for the Sprint and Grand Prix. Verstappen’s comments reflected broader challenges in finding grip at Zandvoort.