Oscar Piastri Clinches Pole In McLaren 1-2 At Dutch Grand Prix

Last Updated:August 30, 2025, 20:34 IST

Oscar Piastri secures pole for the Dutch Grand Prix ahead of Lando Norris, as McLaren dominates Formula One.

Oscar Piastri is presented the pole position award after the qualifying session (Picture credit: AP)

Star Australian driver Oscar Piastri claimed pole position on Saturday, August 30, for the Dutch Grand Prix, bagging the front row with his teammate Lando Norris as McLaren continued their dominance in Formula One.

Piastri set a lap record time of one minute 8.662 seconds, just 0.012 seconds ahead of Norris, giving him a crucial advantage for Sunday’s race.

This marks the fifth pole position of the season for the Australian driver, who aims to extend his nine-point lead in the world championship over Norris.

Although Norris had outperformed the Australian in all three practice sessions, Piastri delivered when it mattered most, gaining an advantage for the race.

“That was the definition of peaking at the right time," Piastri commented after the qualification. “It seemed like a tricky weekend so far, so to achieve this, I’m pretty stoked."

Norris remained calm about his second place on the grid, noting the minimal gap between the two McLaren cars. “There’s not too much to complain about. I think there were a few places where I wasn’t quite at the limit and consistently lost a bit too much lap time today," he told reporters. “So, some areas and things I need to work on, but otherwise the laps were good and I’m still pretty happy."

Home favourite Max Verstappen, in the unfamiliar position of outsider for his home Grand Prix, qualified in third place. Verstappen currently trails Piastri by 97 points in the world championship standings and has acknowledged that his Red Bull is off the pace this season. He hopes that the unpredictable weather at the North Sea beach circuit of Zandvoort will play a role, as he is known for his skill in wet conditions.

He expressed being “very happy" with his third place on the grid, saying the crowd “really got the adrenaline pumping." The four-time world champion admitted his main goal on Sunday would be to stay ahead of the pack chasing the McLarens. “Qualifying was the best that I’ve felt all weekend," he said. “Still not on the level of McLaren, but at least being P3 is very good for us."

Rookie driver Isack Hadjar achieved an impressive fourth place on the grid for Racing Bulls, ahead of Mercedes driver George Russell.

One notable topic in the paddock ahead of the Grand Prix has been the downbeat mood of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. His high-profile move from Mercedes to Ferrari has not gone as planned, and he raised retirement concerns by describing himself as “completely useless." He had an unhappy Friday, spinning his Ferrari twice, and qualified in seventh, just behind his teammate Charles Leclerc.

Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll spun off early into the gravel in the first qualifying session after touching the grass and losing control. An unusual hazard also appeared in the form of a fox, which crossed the track in front of Leclerc’s Ferrari, fortunately making it safely to the other side.

Grid position at Zandvoort is considered more crucial than at other circuits due to the challenging nature of overtaking there. Sunday’s race starts at 3 pm (1300 GMT).

(With AFP Inputs)

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Location :

Zandvoort, Netherlands

First Published:

August 30, 2025, 20:34 IST

News sports Oscar Piastri Clinches Pole In McLaren 1-2 At Dutch Grand Prix

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