F1 LIVE | Qualifying for the 2022 Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort

Qualifying for the 2022 Dutch Grand Prix is about to start. Will it be the World Championship leader Max Verstappen on pole position in his Red Bull, or will Ferrari take another Saturday P1 through Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz? Sergio Perez and Mercedes can’t be ruled out either in this 60-minute session at Circuit Zandvoort.

Last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix was dominated by Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. Though most presume the circuit characteristics at Spa favoured the Red Bull car and the same dominance won’t be felt in the Netherlands.

The Zandvoort circuit is completely different in comparison and is much more like the Hungarian Grand Prix circuit. This could bring Ferrari back into contention for success this weekend, and Mercedes shouldn’t be ruled out after Russell secured pole position in Hungary.

Last year’s Dutch Grand Prix qualifying session came in the midst of the Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen duel. With the circuit banking and twisty corners, it actually became one of the most spectacular sessions of the season. The leaderboard also became spectacular with Verstappen securing pole position by just 0.038 seconds.

The event last weekend ensured the three-day Verstappen party continued. The orange army surrounded every part of the circuit, and that’s expected to be the case again this weekend. In fact, more Dutch fans are allowed to access the track this year. The party atmosphere was a perfect example of how to host a Grand prix in the eyes of F1 and Liberty Media.

Whilst Red Bull Racing and Verstappen top the standings, Leclerc and Ferrari have had the upper hand when it comes to qualifying. Ferrari’s car has been far stronger over a single-lap and Leclerc’s seven pole position in 2022 demonstrates that more than anything. For comparison, Verstappen only has three to his name this season.

Sergio Perez has one pole position, and Carlos Sainz has two though last weekend he earned it by securing the second fastest time in the session. George Russell also has one pole position to his name. Mercedes have been improving throughout the season, solving their porpoising issues. This resulted in Russell claiming P1 for the first time.