Lando Norris took pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix and became the first man in Formula 1 to deny Max Verstappen at his home race.
Zandvoort returned to the calendar in 2021, with the current world champion dominating in the three years since, but McLaren’s summer upgrade package looks to have increased the gap in pace to Red Bull.
Verstappen still managed to take second but was 0.356 seconds slower than his British rival.
Norris’ McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri set the third fastest time, while Mercedes driver George Russell was fourth.
Lewis Hamilton – who has won two of the last three races, went out in the second qualifying session after making a mistake on his final lap.
Norris and Verstappen on the front row, Sainz and Hamilton on the charge 🍿
Here’s the starting line-up for the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix 👀 #F1 #DUTCHGP PIC.TWITTER.COM/KV3GG7EJ4M
— Formula 1 (@F1) AUGUST 24, 2024
Speaking after taking pole, Norris said: “An amazing day, nice to be back and start with a pole.
“It was a nice lap. The qualifying was always pretty smooth and put in some good laps especially the one at the end.
“I felt comfortable. The car was feeling amazing. We have some upgrades on the car for the first time in a while and everything is working well.”
Verstappen has not stood on the top step since the Spanish Grand Prix, six races ago.
He was disappointed not to take top spot at his home qualifying and admitted his car lacked pace in general on Saturday.
The Dutchman said: “The whole qualifying (we) just lacked a bit of pace. I’m still very happy to be on the front row.
A mighty lap from Lando Norris 👏#F1 #DUTCHGP PIC.TWITTER.COM/S62TFL9WTQ
— Formula 1 (@F1) AUGUST 24, 2024
“We have these gusts of wind coming in every lap is different so you can’t build.
“But after yesterday this is a good result. Hopefully the car will be OK in the race.
“We will give it a good go but when you are more than 0.3secs behind in qualifying you have to be realistic.”
His Red Bull partner Sergio Perez came home in fifth, a much-needed positive result for the Mexican driver.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was sixth, ahead of Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.
Alex Albon, Lance Stroll and Pierre Gasly made up the rest of the top 10.
