Zandvoort witnessed an unconventional first free practice session at the 2026 Dutch GP Sprint weekend. Kimi Antonelli immediately showcased his championship-leading form by setting the fastest time of 1:15.351, leaving rivals behind on a track that was initially damp.
The session started with rain in the morning, prompting drivers to use intermediate tyres, but the track dried quickly. Lando Norris and Liam Lawson briefly fought for top positions, but Antonelli remained consistent and continued to improve his time.
All eyes were on Max Verstappen as he prepares for his final home race at Zandvoort. This weekend, he has a new teammate, Liam Lawson, who replaces the injured Isack Hadjar. Lawson impressed immediately, finishing fourth, just 0.094 seconds behind his teammate.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton showed promising pace, finishing second, also 0.094 seconds behind Antonelli. This is a positive sign for Ferrari, who brought a major upgrade package. Hamilton has also scored the most points in the last five Grands Prix, ahead of his teammate and other rivals.
With only one practice session before Sprint Qualifying, teams must work quickly to perfect their car setups. The dry track at the end of the session allowed them to gather crucial data for Sunday's race.



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