American Marconi Wireless News - Russell takes pole for Dutch GP sprint

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Russell takes pole for Dutch GP sprint / Photo: SIMON WOHLFAHRT - AFP

Russell takes pole for Dutch GP sprint

SPORTS 21.08.2026

Mercedes driver George Russell will be on pole position for Saturday's sprint race at the Dutch Grand Prix, setting the fastest qualifying lap time ahead of current world champion Lando Norris.

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Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will be third on the grid ahead of Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren.

Current world championship leader Kimi Antonelli was a surprisingly low fifth in qualifying after setting the fastest time in practice.

Back for the first race after the tradional month-long summer break, Russell set a time of one minute and 11.567 seconds, 0.041 seconds faster than Leclerc, ahead of what looks like being a knife-edge battle all weekend between the top teams.

"The lap felt really good, to be honest. It all came together nicely," said Russell.

"I'm really happy to come back. It's been a little while since I've done one of these interviews," added Russell, who won the first Grand Prix of the season but has since fallen off the pace.

Home favourite Max Verstappen, roared on by an army of orange-clad fans, qualified in sixth in his Red Bull.

M.Thompson--AMWN

American Marconi Wireless News - Russell takes pole for Dutch GP sprint

Russell takes pole for Dutch GP sprint

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