Verstappen takes pole at Dutch GP, fan ejected for flare use

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands (AP) — 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.

“It's just very silly to do. I mean, to hold flares it's nice but there's a limit to how much. But to throw it on the track is just stupid," Verstappen said. "Just don't do that, it's no good for anyone. You get thrown out so you can't see the race and for us the session is stopped because it's dangerous when there's stuff on the track.”

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.

Leclerc and his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. also condemned throwing flares on track.

“It's dangerous, so don't do these type of things. It's good that there was a reaction (from) the security guys,” Leclerc said. “Obviously if a car is passing at that time it can create unnecessary risks so hopefully it won't happen again.”

Sainz, who qualified in third, said there should be better control over when flares are used.

“It's also important to let the fans know when it's possible to use the flares and when it's not. It was good that on the in-lap when Max took pole they used them, but not use them in the middle of the race or Lap 1 when we're in the middle of fights," Sainz said. "At 300 kph (186 miles per hour) with these cars you don't