F1 Dutch GP 2025: Piastri Kunci Pole Position, Verstappen Failed To Meet The Hopes Of Orange Fans

Oscar Piastri performed outstanding at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix qualifying session (photo: x @f1)

JAKARTA Oscar Piastri performed outstanding in the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix qualifying session after winning pole position at the Zandvoort Circuit, Saturday, August 30. The young McLaren driver recorded the fastest time of 1 minute 08.662 seconds and outperformed his teammate, Lando Norris, with only a narrow margin of 0.012 seconds. This result also confirms McLaren's continued dominance this season.

The competition in Q3 was very tight from the start, with McLaren and Red Bull taking turns recording the fastest time. However, Piastri was able to find the momentum right on its final lap. Meanwhile, Norris, who looked faster in the early two sectors, lost a bit of grip in the final sector and had to settle for second place. Even so, McLaren still made sure to start from the front line with his two cars.

World defending champion Max Verstappen, who received full support from the oceans of orange fans in the stands, failed to meet the expectations of the host public. He was only able to occupy third place with a difference of 0.263 seconds from Piastri. Although disappointed that he could not win pole at home, Verstappen admitted that he was quite satisfied because his performance this weekend was much better than his training session.

"The end of this week was quite difficult, but qualification is my best moment so far. McLaren is really fast, so we have to focus on racing strategies," Verstappen said after qualifying.

Another competitor who surprised was Isack Hadjar from the RB team. The French rookie was impressive and managed to occupy fourth place, ahead of experienced racers like George Russell of Mercedes who were in fifth place, as well as Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who were only able to occupy sixth and seventh positions.

This qualifying session was also marked by drama. Lance Stroll had an accident in Q1 after losing control at the last corner. Aston Martin's car he was driving hit the barrier and forced himself to start from the back.

Another incident occurred in Q2 when George Russell almost collided with Fernando Alonso. Steward then fined Russell 7,500 with an official warning. Not only that, a unique moment occurred when Leclerc reported the presence of aality crossing the track, adding color to the course of qualifying.

For McLaren, this result opens up a great opportunity to set a new record in F1. If they are able to finish 1-2 in Zandvoort, they will be the third team in history to win five consecutive finishes 1-2, matching Ferrari's record in 2002 and Mercedes in 2015.

Piastri could not hide his satisfaction after getting out of the car. That's the definition of the right moment. It's great to be able to win pole, especially on a challenging track like this," Piastri said with a smiling face.

Meanwhile, Norris admitted that he was very disappointed, although he was still optimistic about facing the main race. "I was quite close, unfortunately I lost a little time in the last sector. A small difference like this can be determined by the direction of the wind. We are both in good competition, Oscar is fast throughout this season," said Norris.

The main race of the 2025 Dutch GP will be held on Sunday night, August 31 at 21.00 WIB. McLaren starts from the front row again, Verstappen, who is ready to give a surprise in front of his supporters, as well as the tight competition behind Ferrari, Mercedes, and RB, the battle in Zandvoort is certain to be fierce and full of drama.