Outstanding WC leader Max Verstappen (24) cruised to the best starting position at Sunday’s home Grand Prix. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (24) and Carlos Sainz (28) were unable to beat the Dutchman.

Aftenposten collaborated with VG-sporten. Therefore, as a reader of Aftenposten, you also get articles and services created by VG.

At the start of the second qualifying round, Q2, a spectator threw an orange flare onto the track in Holland.

– It’s done very smartly, Viaplay commentator Stein Pettersen sarcastically said on a live broadcast.

– This is a scene we don’t want to see. Actually prohibited. There were big signs around the pitch stating that it was not allowed to take this into the stands, continued his Atle partner Gulbrandsen.

There was a commotion in the stands after the flares were thrown. The bystanders who saw the incident reacted to those behind it.

– There is a slightly different grandstand culture now than we saw in Formula 1 in the past. It’s no secret that much of this stand culture can be attributed to the “orange army”, Atle Gulbrandsen said on a Viaplay broadcast. He was referring to many of Max Verstappen’s Dutch supporters.

Luckily, Alex Albon was the only driver out of the way when the flare was thrown onto the track.

– We managed to fight back after yesterday when we had a problem, said Verstappen happily after winning the qualifiers.

21K separates Leclerc in 2nd place.

So far this season, Verstappen has taken pole position in just three races this season – but has crossed the finish line first in nine races.

Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, has won just three Grands Prix after holding the best starting position in seven races.

There is an orange wall following Verstappen on his home track on the Zandvoort track. The atmosphere is electric.

– It’s great to see all the audience orange, says Verstappen.

He also had the best starting position in 2021 when Zandvoort – after many years – returned to the schedule in Formula 1.

– Cars work better and better. We are much stronger and our running speed is good. We just have to make a good start, and then we’ll see,” said Leclerc in an arena interview shown on Viaplay.

– It’s tough out there. It is demanding. It will be an interesting race, even if it is difficult to overtake, said Carlos Sainz – and believes that his strategy will be important.

Verstappen led WC superbly after 14 of 22 races. He has 284 points. Team mate Sergio Pérez was second best with 191 and thus ahead of the best non-Red Bull driver, namely Charles Leclerc with 186.

Kevin Magnussen of Denmark was among those already eliminated in Q1. Haas partner Mick Schumacher will start at number eight on Sunday. He had Corinna’s mother on the spot at the depot.

Top ten in qualifying:

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull).

2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari).

3. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari).

4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes).

5. Sergio Perez (Red Bull).

6. George Russell (Mercedes).

7. Lando Norris (McLaren).

8. Mick Schumacher (Haas).

9. Yuki Tsunoda (Alpha Tauri).

10. Lance Take a Walk (Aston Martin).