George Russell takes Dutch GP Sprint pole ahead of Lando Norris
George Russell secured pole position for the Dutch GP Sprint in the 2026 F1 season, outperforming Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc. The session saw several drivers eliminated during qualifying rounds, including Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez.
Why it matters
This result sets the grid for the upcoming Sprint race, influencing the championship standings in a highly competitive F1 season.
George Russell has given his voice to the safety car debate
George Russell returned from the summer break with a first pole position of the F1 2026 as the season resume, beating Lando Norris to pole in the Sprint for the Dutch GP.
Russell will start Saturday’s Sprint ahead of Norris, and Charles Leclerc.
One by one, the 22 drivers left the pit lane on medium tyres for the start of SQ1’s12-minute session.
The list included Liam Lawson, behind the wheel of the Red Bull RB22, and Yuki Tsunoda, who was in Lawson’s Racing Bulls F1 car.
Kimi Antonelli was in trouble early in the session, taking the high line and off into the gravel. He had to bail out his lap with Lewis Hamilton P1 in the early running. The Ferrari driver posted a 1:13.151.
“No damage spotted,” Mercedes told Antonelli.
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