Kimi Antonelli set the pace in the only Free Practice 1 session ahead of the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, posting a fastest lap time of 1:12.949 despite a minor spin at Turn 10. The Mercedes driver narrowly outpaced McLaren's Lando Norris and his Mercedes teammate George Russell, with less than 0.13 seconds separating the top three.
The session, held on August 21, 2026, began on a damp track surface that prompted most drivers to start on intermediate tyres. As conditions improved and the track dried, teams switched to slick tyres, allowing lap times to drop significantly. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton demonstrated competitive pace early on, with Leclerc briefly holding the fastest time before Antonelli’s final lap secured the top spot.
Other notable performances included Carlos Sainz, who encountered difficulties with two off-track excursions and sustained floor damage, leaving him at the bottom of the timesheets. Home favorite Max Verstappen finished 11th after experiencing a minor off-track moment. The session lasted one hour, with teams focusing on gathering data and fine-tuning setups ahead of Sprint Qualifying later that day.
The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort is set to host its final Formula 1® event this weekend, marking the end of an era for the circuit in the championship calendar. Mercedes showed strong early pace with Antonelli and Russell both in the top three, while McLaren’s Norris kept close, indicating a competitive field as the weekend progresses.
Ferrari’s drivers also showed promising speed, although Sainz’s incidents highlighted the challenges of the track. Verstappen’s 11th place in FP1 suggests there is work to be done for the home crowd favorite, especially after his minor off-track moment. The session’s evolving conditions from damp to dry provided teams with valuable information on tyre performance and car balance for Sprint Qualifying.
Overall, the Free Practice 1 session offered a snapshot of the teams’ initial pace and strategies at Zandvoort, with Mercedes and McLaren appearing well-positioned in the early running. As the weekend continues, the data gathered will be crucial for teams aiming to optimise their performance for both Sprint Qualifying and the Grand Prix itself.