The China Mail - Norris clinches pole for Dutch GP

The British driver set a time of one minute and 11.163 seconds, 0.102 seconds faster than compatriot Russell, to take a critical advantage into the Grand Prix race on Sunday.

"Best lap of my life," said a pumped-up Norris, who had earlier complained his McLaren was lacking pace after being beaten into third in the sprint race earlier Saturday.

"I just had to commit through everything because I knew how close it was going to be," added the 26-year-old, who is enjoying a run of good form having won the Hungarian Grand Prix before the summer break.

Russell had been the quickest driver all weekend but was forced into second place on the grid on the last qualifying lap that was affected by light rain.

"I was on a very strong lap, to be honest. And then I just had a small oversteer in turn eight" that cost him the vital tenth of a second, said Russell.

World championship leader Antonelli will start from third on the grid, ruing a difficult qualifying session with an error in turn one costing him a few crucial tenths of a second.

The teenage sensation set the pace in the first half of the season, winning six races, including a stunning run of five consecutive Grand Prix.

But the chasing pack has closed in fast, with McLaren in particular bringing upgrades to their car that have brought them into contention.

"It was a very good wake-up call this weekend that you can never lower your guard," said Antonelli, who turns 20 next week.

Oscar Piastri, who took the chequered flag last year at Zandvoort, qualified fourth, ahead of the two Ferraris driven by Charles Leclerc and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Despite raucous home support, local favourite Max Verstappen was unable to make an impact and will start seventh on the grid.

- 'Real fight' -

Sunday's race promises to be a nail-biter, with just a few tenths of a second separating the top four or five drivers.

Starting on pole however will be a major advantage for Norris.

Since Zandvoort returned to the Grand Prix calendar in 2021, the pole-setter has won every time given the difficulty of overtaking on the unique track.

"We have a real fight on our hands these days," said Russell after triumphing in the sprint.

"I think that's quite fun and that's how Formula One should be. It shouldn't just be two teammates going for race wins week in week out. Everybody should be in with a shot," he added.

Ferrari will also challenge on Sunday. Leclerc overhauled Norris in the sprint and Hamilton will be aiming to take a chunk out of Antonelli's 53-point championship lead.

McLaren, who have won here for the past two editions, will also be in the mix and it would be a brave punter who rules out four-time world champion Max Verstappen -- especially not at his "home" Grand Prix.

The "orange army" roaring him on will hope he can produce a miracle in his Red Bull that has been off the pace so far this season.

Sunday's Grand Prix will be the last edition for the Dutch since the Zandvoort circuit.

Despite attracting big crowds eager to see Verstappen, promoters have pulled the plug, saying the financial risks were too great.

Fears that Verstappen, who has made little secret of his dislike of the 2026 regulations, could quit the sport played a part in the decision to pull the plug on Zandvoort.

But ironically, as the teams were setting up for the last Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen announced he had extended his contract with Red Bull until 2030, guaranteeing his future and Dutch interest in the sport.

T.Wu--ThChM