Aug.31 (GMM) Oscar Piastri kept his cool at Zandvoort to snatch pole from McLaren teammate Lando Norris.
The Australian championship leader had been slightly behind Norris all weekend – but found the speed exactly when it mattered. “That was the definition of peaking at the right time,” Piastri smiled.
“I think the whole weekend I’ve felt pretty good, but it’s just been a couple of corners that I’ve not been able to go any faster.”
Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport summed it up bluntly: “Piastri steals Norris’ pole.
“The championship leader once again demonstrated how much he can be reckoned with when it matters.”
Spanish commentator Antonio Lobato believes Norris’ body language is once again showing signs of fragility. He noticed the Briton’s “somewhat depressed mood, which we’ve seen in him before,” and argued that Norris needs to be more aggressive.
“What you have to do is send a message to your teammate and rival, saying: ‘I’m going to attack on lap 1, on lap 3, on lap 5, on all of them. I’m going to give it my all to win this race,'” Lobato said.
“That’s a flaw I see in Lando Norris, and he needs to work on it, not just on track but off it too,” he said on DAZN.
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen will start P3, showing some progress from Hungary but conceding the title is already gone. “On used tyres, we were on par with the McLaren in the long runs,” a hopeful Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko said.
“Maybe we can still pull off a surprise in the Grand Prix.”
Meanwhile, organisers at Zandvoort admit demand was slightly harder to generate this year, but the Dutch GP – the second-to-last in the modern era – is again sold out.
“The demand for tickets remains high. It’s fantastic that we have a full house again,” said Dutch GP boss Jan Lammers.
“The success in the business segment is also exceptional, year after year. All business packages are sold out again this year. More than 15,000 people came to the circuit on Thursday for business meetings and activations of partners and event supporters.
“The fact that Saturday and Sunday are sold out again underscores our strength as both a sporting and business event.”
As for sell-out Sunday, the race looks set to be a simple intra-team duel. “First we need to finish first and second,” McLaren CEO Zak Brown said.
“The guys can battle it out among themselves to see who’s first and who’s second. Those are the team orders – go and race.”
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a fan favorite on the F1 calendar. The city comes alive for race week packed with energy, events, and unforgettable nightlife. This year, the action shifts to Memorial Day weekend (late May), part of F1’s new, eco-friendly schedule. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the atmosphere where motorsport meets Montreal magic. Book your spot now this one sells out fast!
SHOW PACKAGES