North sea

Dutch Grand Prix: Oscar Piastri snatched pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix after outpacing McLaren teammate Lando Norris by just 0.012 seconds in a tense qualifying session at Zandvoort. Norris had looked untouchable through all three practice sessions, but Piastri — who leads the championship standings — once again produced when it mattered most, delivering a blistering final lap to secure top spot.

The result puts the Australian in a prime position to extend his nine-point lead over Norris in Sunday’s 72-lap race around the North Sea circuit.

Max Verstappen gave the packed home crowd reason to cheer, securing third on the grid. However, Red Bull’s quarter-of-a-second gap to pole reflected McLaren’s continued dominance. Verstappen will line up alongside rookie sensation Isack Hadjar, who stunned the field by putting his Racing Bulls car fourth, his best-ever qualifying result.