Norris holds Dutch pole as Mercedes close in at Zandvoort

World Champion Lando Norris has taken pole position for the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, but the McLaren man will have both Mercedes cars in close company when the lights go out at Zandvoort this afternoon.

Norris narrowly edged out George Russell and Kimi Antonelli in a tight Qualifying session, the Mercedes team-mates locking out the second and third spots on the grid to give the Silver Arrows a threatening presence behind the leading McLaren.

Oscar Piastri lines up fourth in the second McLaren, ahead of the Ferrari duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, meaning the defending champion will face pressure from both directions as the field streams into the first corner.

Verstappen seventh on home soil

Max Verstappen starts seventh for his home race, with stand-in Red Bull team mate Liam Lawson an impressive eighth after finishing barely a tenth of a second adrift of the Dutchman.

Gabriel Bortoleto gives Audi another top-10 start in ninth place, with Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad completing the front five rows.

Verstappen's temporary team mate situation continues to draw attention, while Racing Bulls' Yuki Tsunoda starts a very respectable 12th in his first Grand Prix outing in 2026 machinery.

Perez forced to pit lane

The only pit-lane starter is Sergio Perez, whose Cadillac underwent set-up changes after Qualifying following his P22 result. The Mexican will therefore face a long climb through the field when the race gets underway.

The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix starts at 1500 local time, with live coverage beginning from 1400.