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Dutch GP sprint race: Russell on pole
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The gist
George Russell took sprint pole at the Dutch GP with 1m11.567s.
He trails teammate Antonelli by 50 points in the title fight.
Background
Formula 1 returned from its summer break at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. Sprint qualifying determines the grid for Saturday's short race, with points at stake. Russell's pole is his third of the season, showing Mercedes' pace as the championship enters its second half.
How it unfolded
- Aug 21, 2026George Russell set the fastest lap in sprint qualifying, beating Lando Norris by 0.041s.
- Aug 21, 2026Russell joked over team radio that his engagement ring made him lighter, after announcing his engagement two weeks prior.
- Aug 22, 2026The sprint race is scheduled for 11am BST, with Russell starting from pole.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Russell said it was 'great to be back' and that the circuit 'needs a lot of commitment', expressing happiness with the result.
- Analysts
- Motorsport.com noted Russell's pole was his second of the season after Shanghai, while The Race highlighted his third sprint pole overall.