Top drivers react to 'chaotic qualifying' for Dutch Grand Prix

Max Verstappen did what he needed to secure pole position in qualifying for Sunday's Dutch Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver gave his home crowd plenty to cheer about as he took the position ahead of rivals Lando Norris (McLaren) and George Russell (Mercedes).

Qualifying was a case of two tales as rain impacted Q1 and Q2, with Q3 - the business end of the session - occurring under clear skies and on a dry track. It was the Dutchman's eighth pole of the year, surpassing his 2022 tally.

"It was a very tricky qualifying," Verstappen said in the post-qualifying interview.

"It was all about putting your laps in but also staying out of trouble. We had to risk it a bit, but that last lap was very enjoyable. First time here in these conditions, we underestimated with the wind and the sun how quickly it dried."

Another super effort from Max ??

The Red Bull driver collects his eighth @pirellisport Pole Position Award of the year from current #F1Academy Championship Leader, Marta Garcia ??#DutchGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/wblyRgvjnL

Still a good result

Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri looked strong in the practice sessions leading up to qualifying, but with improving track conditions and improving times, Piastri got the shorter end of the stick when he qualified eighth - six positions down on Norris.

But as Norris put it, qualifying was "chaotic".

"I'm happy still, P2 is a good result," the McLaren man said. "In these conditions, you hope Max makes a mistake, but he doesn't.

"Chaotic qualifying, but good fun. Qualifying is always stressful. The first half of my lap was mega, but the second half was one of the worst second halves we've ever done."

That’s a front row start for the #DutchGP! ???? What a lap, @LandoNorris. ??