ZANDVOORT, Netherlands: McLaren driver Lando Norris on Saturday claimed pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix, pipping local favorite Max Verstappen into second in a thrilling qualifying session.
The British driver registered the fastest lap in one minute 9.673 seconds ahead of Verstappen’s Red Bull who clocked 1min 10.029sec in windy and damp conditions on the Zandvoort circuit.
Norris’s McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri will start in third place on the grid on Sunday, ahead of George Russell from Mercedes in fourth.
“We lacked a bit of pace. I’m still happy to be on the front row. It’s tricky out there with the wind,” said Verstappen.
“I’m happy with second. I think after yesterday, this was a good result,” added the 26-year-old.
Verstappen will be competing in his 200th Grand Prix on Sunday but things did not all go his way at his home Grand Prix.
He has never been beaten in the three races held in the Netherlands since it was re-established on the circuit in 2021 and always started in pole position.
But he trailed in fifth during practice, complaining his Red Bull was lacking speed, with no clear path to improving performance.
After winning 19 races on a cruise to the 2023 world championship, Verstappen took seven of the first 10 in 2024, leaving many fearing a similar procession this year.
But he has suffered a lean spell by his own standards, without a win in the last four races — his longest winless stretch since 2020.
He nevertheless enjoys a 78-point lead in the drivers’ championship over closest rival Norris, who has admitted he faces an uphill climb to overhaul the Dutchman.
“I’m not expecting anything easy that’s for sure,” Norris told reporters after the qualifying.
McLaren’s Lando Norris takes pole for Dutch Grand Prix
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McLaren’s Lando Norris takes pole for Dutch Grand Prix
- British driver registered the fastest lap in one minute 9.673 seconds ahead of Verstappen’s Red Bull
Umar Zaib leads Pakistan U19 into tri-series final with commanding win over Afghanistan
- Pakistan posted 238 for nine in 50 overs, built around solid contributions from top order
- Afghanistan were bundled out for 105 in 30.2 overs as Pakistan’s pace proved too strong
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Under-19 (U19) confirmed their place in the final of the tri-series in Zimbabwe with a commanding 133-run win over Afghanistan U19 at the Sunrise Sports Club in Harare on Friday.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 238 for nine in 50 overs, built around solid contributions from the top order. Sameer Minhas top-scored with a fluent 56, while Usman Khan (43, 59b, 3x4s, 1x6) and Ali Hassan Baloch (39, 68b, 1x4, 1x6) laid a strong foundation for the side.
In turn, Afghanistan were bundled out for 105 in 30.2 overs as Pakistan’s pace proved too strong.
“Right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib led the charge with a match-winning spell, clinching five wickets for 31 runs, including early breakthroughs and key middle-order dismissals,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.
“He was adjudged player of the match. Support came from Ahmed Hussain and Momin Qamar – both taking two wickets each.”
Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan had edged Afghanistan U19 by one wicket, while their league match against Zimbabwe U19 was washed out after the first innings due to rain.
Pakistan U19 will now face hosts Zimbabwe U19 on Sunday in their final league fixture before meeting the same opponents again in the final on Jan. 6.
SCORES IN BRIEF
Pakistan 238-9, 50 overs (Sameer Minhas 56, Usman Khan 43, Ali Hassan Baloch 39; Salam Khan 2-48, Zaitullah Shaheen 2-50)
Afghanistan 105 all out, 30.2 overs (Mahboob Khan 29; Umar Zaib 5-31, Ahmed Hussain 2-2, Momin Qamar 2-26)
