Max Verstappen on pole for Dutch Grand Prix
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Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrates taking pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix.
PHOTO: AFP
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ZANDVOORT – Two-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen hailed yet another “incredible” qualifying session on Saturday, as he put Red Bull on pole for his home Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort for the third year in a row.
McLaren’s Lando Norris will join the runaway championship leader on the front row, with George Russell qualifying third fastest for Mercedes and Alex Albon an impressive fourth for Williams.
“It was a very tricky qualifying. The track surface is quite slippery with the new tarmac. It was all about putting your laps in but staying out of trouble. I think we managed that quite well,” said Verstappen, who will be chasing a record-equalling ninth win in a row on Sunday.
“There was one dry line in some places on the slicks, so we had to risk it a bit, but that last lap was very enjoyable.
“The pressure is always there to perform but when you pull it off it’s incredible.”
The wet conditions did not trouble the Dutchman, while his orange army of fans packing the stands at Zandvoort also cheered in delight despite the inclement weather.
Verstappen has a perfect record since his home event returned to the Formula One calendar in 2021, starting from the front of the grid and winning both races.
A ninth successive win will bring him level with Sebastian Vettel’s record set in 2013.
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate and closest rival but 125 points behind him after 12 of 22 races, qualified seventh.
“P2 was a good result in these kind of conditions,” said Norris.
“Every now and then you hope Max makes a mistake, but he doesn’t, so frustrating in a little way. But I’m very happy. The team did a good job. It was a chaotic qualifying and another P2.”
Russell, meanwhile, believes that Mercedes can give Red Bull a “good fight” on Sunday.
He said: “The lap was OK. We always struggle when it’s very wet or it’s the crossover to slicks and we have to get that temperature into the tyres. But we know the Saturday weakness is the strength on Sundays.
“It’s going to be an exciting race. I’m sure Max will be having his Sunday drive and waving to the crowd tomorrow, but hopefully we can have a good fight with Alex, Lando and all those guys.”
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso qualified fifth, ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Perez, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, Sainz’s teammate Charles Leclerc and Williams’ Logan Sargeant round off the top 10. REUTERS, AFP
