Oscar Piastri will start from pole position at the 2025 FIA Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix after edging out McLaren team-mate and title rival Lando Norris by just 0.012s in a thrilling qualifying session at Zandvoort. The Australian’s lap of 1:08.662 was enough to secure his fifth pole of the season and give McLaren a crucial front-row lockout for Sunday’s race.

Local hero Max Verstappen had to settle for third place for Red Bull, while rookie sensation Isack Hadjar delivered his best qualifying performance to date, securing an impressive P4 for Racing Bulls.

McLaren Dominate as Piastri Edges Norris

Throughout the practice sessions, Norris had consistently held the upper hand, but in the decisive Q3 showdown Piastri produced a stunning first run that just tipped the balance in his favour. Both drivers failed to improve on their second attempts, leaving the Australian at the top of the timesheets.

With Zandvoort known for favouring the pole-sitter — every Dutch Grand Prix since the race’s return in 2021 has been won from the front of the grid — Piastri is now in a strong position to convert his qualifying triumph into a crucial race victory.

Verstappen and Hadjar Shine for the Home Crowd

The Dutch crowd roared as Max Verstappen set the fastest middle sector of the session on his final run, but the Red Bull star ultimately fell short, finishing two tenths down on the McLaren pair.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Isack Hadjar continued his impressive rookie campaign by storming to P4 with a lap of 1:09.208, splitting Mercedes’ George Russell (P5) and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (P6).

Qualifying Drama and Eliminations

The session was not without incident. Lance Stroll spun into the barriers in Q1 after running wide on the approach to Turn 13. Though the Aston Martin driver limped back to the pits, he failed to set a time and will start last.

There was further disappointment for Yuki Tsunoda, who looked on course to reach Q3 before being knocked out in the dying moments by Liam Lawson and Fernando Alonso.

Notable exits also included Alpine’s Franco Colapinto in P16 and both Haas drivers, Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman, who ended qualifying in 18th and 19th respectively.

2025 Dutch Grand Prix – Top 10 Qualifying Results

1. Oscar Piastri – McLaren/Mercedes – 1:08.662
2. Lando Norris – McLaren/Mercedes – 1:08.674 (+0.012s)
3. Max Verstappen – Red Bull/Honda RBPT – 1:08.925 (+0.263s)
4. Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT – 1:09.208 (+0.546s)
5. George Russell – Mercedes – 1:09.255 (+0.593s)
6. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari – 1:09.340 (+0.678s)
7. Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari – 1:09.390 (+0.728s)
8. Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT – 1:09.500 (+0.838s)
9. Carlos Sainz – Williams/Mercedes – 1:09.505 (+0.843s)
10. Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin/Mercedes – 1:09.630 (+0.968s)

Outlook for Race Day

With McLaren locking out the front row, Piastri and Norris are set to renew their title battle at the tight and twisty Zandvoort circuit. Verstappen will look to use home support and race pace to challenge, while all eyes will be on Hadjar to see if the rookie can translate his stellar qualifying into a career-best race result.