Verstappen takes pole at Dutch GP, fan ejected for flare use
The Hindu
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen edged Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari by just 0.021 seconds on Saturday to huge roars from Verstappen’s Orange Army of fans, taking pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix
Max Verstappen produced a brilliant final lap to take pole position for Sunday's Dutch Grand Prix just ahead of Charles Leclerc.
The Red Bull driver edged Leclerc's Ferrari by just .021 seconds on Saturday to huge roars from Verstappen's Orange Army of fans.
But the session was interrupted earlier when a flare was thrown onto the track. Governing body FIA said the culprit was removed from the stands by security.
The widespread use of flares from Verstappen’s fans has been a concern at some races, particularly at the Red Bull Ring in Austria in July and at last weekend's Belgian GP — both packed with Verstappen supporters.
Carlos Sainz Jr. qualified in third for Ferrari ahead of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, with Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez qualifying in fifth.
Leclerc had the leading time and went even faster on his final run to pressure Verstappen. But a brilliant middle sector helped the Dutchman clinch his fourth pole of the season. Moments after Verstappen crossed the line, Perez spun off the track to bring a yellow flag for the closing seconds.
Verstappen was quickest in the first qualifying run, known as Q1, just ahead of Hamilton.