The opening competitive session of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend has delivered a dramatic Sprint Qualifying at Zandvoort, with several notable names failing to progress through the early stages.
With the Sprint grid now taking shape, the session proved particularly difficult for a number of midfield and experienced drivers. Six drivers were eliminated in SQ2, while a further six failed to make it beyond SQ1.
Liam Lawson was the highest-profile driver eliminated in SQ2, finishing 11th for Red Bull. The New Zealander narrowly missed out on a place in the top 10 and will therefore start the Sprint outside the leading positions.
Yuki Tsunoda was also unable to advance, ending SQ2 in 12th for Racing Bulls. Alpine’s Franco Colapinto followed in 13th, while Nico Hulkenberg placed 14th for Audi.
Esteban Ocon completed the SQ2 eliminations in 15th for Haas, with Alex Albon the final driver knocked out at that stage. The Williams driver finished 16th after being unable to find enough pace to challenge for SQ3.
The SQ1 session produced an even bigger shock, with several experienced drivers eliminated before they could properly fight for a place in the top 16.
Haas driver Ollie Bearman finished 17th, ahead of Williams’ Carlos Sainz in 18th. Sainz’s early exit will be a major disappointment for Williams, particularly given the importance of qualifying position at the tight and fast Zandvoort circuit.
Lance Stroll was 19th for Aston Martin, while Valtteri Bottas could manage only 20th for Cadillac. Sergio Perez was next in 21st, meaning both Cadillac drivers failed to progress beyond SQ1.
Fernando Alonso endured the most difficult session among the listed drivers, finishing 22nd for Aston Martin. The two-time world champion will therefore face a significant challenge in the Sprint as he looks to recover positions from the back of the field.
The results underline how competitive the field was during Sprint Qualifying, with only small margins separating several drivers. At Zandvoort, where overtaking can be challenging, starting position could prove especially important during the Sprint.
The eliminated drivers will now have to focus on race pace, tyre management and opportunities created by incidents ahead of them. Meanwhile, those who progressed further will be looking to convert their qualifying advantage into points during the Sprint.
Sprint Qualifying Eliminations
Position
Driver
Team
Eliminated
11
Liam Lawson
Red Bull
SQ2
12
Yuki Tsunoda
Racing Bulls
SQ2
13
Franco Colapinto
Alpine
SQ2
14
Nico Hulkenberg
Audi
SQ2
15
Esteban Ocon
Haas
SQ2
16
Alex Albon
Williams
SQ2
17
Ollie Bearman
Haas
SQ1
18
Carlos Sainz
Williams
SQ1
19
Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
SQ1
20
Valtteri Bottas
Cadillac
SQ1
21
Sergio Perez
Cadillac
SQ1
22
Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
SQ1
The result sets up an intriguing Sprint at Zandvoort, with several big names starting well down the order and facing an immediate battle to climb through the field.
