Netherlands GP Qualifying Report

Logan Sargeant had Latified up FP3 with a huge smash and a resulting fire.  You could see a mechanic say "Fuck's sake" in the Williams garage.  He wouldn't be participating in Qualifying and it reduced other drivers' track time.  The team will be very glad when Sainz steps into the seat next season.

This big summer break announcement has been overshadowed by Jonathan Wheatley's resignation from Red Bull and new position at Audi, which in turn has been overshadowed by an interview given by Toto Wolff to a Dutch newspaper hinting that George and Kimi Antonelli will be the Mercedes drivers for 2026 if not 2025.

Finally, after 25 days off, we went racing, at least to score the best place possible on the grid.  In the first session, there was a bit of argy-bargy between Perez and Hamilton.  Sargeant didn't make it out, with both Saubers, Ocon and Ricciardo.  The questioning will continue about his position at RB now.  The Ferraris put in quick laps as the circuit got faster, being pipped by Russell, who was complaining about lack of grip and, finally, Perez, who had to use a new set of tyres.

The second session saw a lot of the top drivers driving furiously to get through to the final session.  Sainz and Hamilton were both knocked out, along with Tsunoda and both Haas.  Albon was 7th in his Williams, Sainz's team next year.

Again, there was no drama in the third session and the quick laps were all put in over the last couple of minutes.  Verstappen held provisional pole but it was taken by Norris.  Piastri and Russell line up behind them followed by Perez, LeClerc, Alonso, Albon (before he was disqualified), Stroll and Gasly (vastly out-qualifying his team mate).  Both Williams will start from the back of the grid; the car was heavily updated and the floor did not comply with regulations.  Hamilton was given a three place penalty for the incident with Perez.

I think the drivers at the front will fight hard and, if there's rain and wind, it could be anybody's race.