The latest F1 qualifying session took place at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, where Lando Norris claimed pole position with a time of 1:09.890, narrowly ahead of Fernando Alonso (+0.087s) and Oscar Piastri (+0.089s)[1]. Qualifying started at 2pm BST, following FP3 in the morning, with Norris emerging as the favourite after leading both practice sessions[5]. The title battle remains tight, with Norris holding a nine-point deficit to his McLaren teammate Piastri heading into qualifying[5].
Elsewhere on the grid, George Russell was fourth fastest, followed by Max Verstappen in fifth, while Lewis Hamilton managed to be sixth fastest in FP2 after recovering from two spins during practice[1][5]. This marks a challenging year for Verstappen and Hamilton, with Red Bull underperforming expectations and Hamilton still seeking a podium in his debut Ferrari season[5].
The qualifying format remains the traditional Q1, Q2, and Q3 knockout system, where all 20 drivers compete in Q1, the top 15 advance to Q2, and the fastest 10 fight for pole in Q3[4]. Each session eliminates the slowest drivers, with final grid positions determined by fastest laps in the last section each driver contested[4].
For 2025, new rules clarify grid-setting procedures for disrupted qualifying sessions: if no qualifying is possible due to exceptional circumstances, grid positions will be determined by the drivers’ championship standings[2]. Additionally, the final grid is now set one hour before the grand prix (previously two hours), with cars withdrawn up to 75 minutes before start not included, allowing the rest of the grid to move forward[2].