Dutch GP Qualifying produced one of the most thrilling sessions of the 2025 Formula 1 season as Oscar Piastri stunned teammate Lando Norris to claim pole at Zandvoort. The McLaren duo locked out the front row in a tense battle, with Piastri edging Norris by just 0.012s. Championship leader Piastri now starts from the best possible position to extend his lead on race day.
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Piastri Peaks at the Right Time
For much of the weekend, Norris had looked the quicker McLaren, topping all three practice sessions. But Dutch GP Qualifying highlighted Piastri’s growing ability to deliver when it matters most.
- Piastri was ahead by 0.131s in Q1.
- Norris responded by topping Q2 by 0.090s.
- In Q3, Piastri struck first, securing provisional pole on his opening lap.
Neither McLaren driver improved on their second runs, handing the Australian his fifth pole of the season, and first since the Spanish Grand Prix six races ago.
Piastri admitted:
“That was the definition of peaking at the right time. The whole weekend I felt good, but I finally put it together when it mattered.”
Norris Narrowly Misses Out
Despite leading the early sessions, Norris had to settle for P2 in Dutch GP Qualifying. The Brit acknowledged disappointment but kept focus on the race:
“I guess a little bit disappointed not to be on pole, but it was close. I’m still in a great position for tomorrow, and it’s going to be a fun fight.”
With just nine points separating the McLaren drivers in the championship, the battle is set to continue on race day.
Verstappen Third at Home
Home hero Max Verstappen could only manage P3 in front of the orange-clad crowd. While Red Bull showed signs of recovery, the 0.263s gap to Piastri highlighted that McLaren still hold the upper hand.
It is Verstappen’s first time starting off the front row at Zandvoort since the circuit’s F1 return in 2021.
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Hadjar’s Stunning Fourth Place
The shock of Dutch GP Qualifying came from rookie Isack Hadjar. Driving for Racing Bulls, the Frenchman delivered a sensational lap to secure P4 ahead of George Russell’s Mercedes and both Ferraris.
Hadjar, just 20 years old, celebrated emotionally over team radio:
“This feels too good!”
His performance has already fueled speculation about a future promotion to Red Bull alongside Verstappen.
Ferrari, Mercedes and Aston Martin Struggles
- George Russell salvaged P5 for Mercedes, while rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli missed out on Q3 by just 0.021s.
- Charles Leclerc narrowly outpaced Lewis Hamilton to take P6, with Hamilton settling for P7 but relieved to reach Q3 for the first time since July.
- Fernando Alonso could only manage P10, while teammate Lance Stroll suffered another crash and will start 20th.
Ferrari’s form remained underwhelming, while Aston Martin’s weekend collapsed after early promise.
Dutch GP Qualifying Top 10
- Oscar Piastri – McLaren
- Lando Norris – McLaren
- Max Verstappen – Red Bull
- Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls
- George Russell – Mercedes
- Charles Leclerc – Ferrari
- Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
- Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls
- Carlos Sainz – Williams
- Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin
What’s Next in the Dutch GP Weekend
Formula 1 returns on Sunday with the Dutch Grand Prix at 2pm local time. Build-up begins at 12:30pm on Sky Sports F1.
Race day schedule includes:
- F1 Academy Race 2 – 9:35am
- Porsche Supercup – 10:50am
- Dutch GP main race – 2:00pm
With McLaren locking out the front row, Verstappen looking to fight back, and Hadjar starting from a career-best P4, fans are guaranteed fireworks.
FAQs – Dutch GP Qualifying
1. Who took pole position in Dutch GP Qualifying?
Oscar Piastri secured pole for McLaren, beating teammate Lando Norris by 0.012s.
2. Where did Max Verstappen qualify?
Verstappen qualified third for his home race at Zandvoort.
3. Who was the surprise performer in qualifying?
Rookie Isack Hadjar delivered a stunning lap to claim fourth place for Racing Bulls.
4. How did Ferrari perform?
Leclerc took sixth, Hamilton seventh, but overall Ferrari lacked front-running pace.
5. When is the Dutch Grand Prix race?
The race takes place on Sunday, August 31, at 2pm local time, live on Sky Sports F1.
