George Russell claimed victory in the Sprint at the Dutch Grand Prix, securing valuable points for Mercedes at Zandvoort.
Starting from pole position, Russell controlled the race from the front and successfully resisted the pressure from Lando Norris during the opening stages. The Mercedes driver gradually extended his advantage and secured his third Sprint victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Charles Leclerc finished second for Ferrari after a strong performance on the soft tyres. The Monegasque made his decisive move on Norris at Turn 1 on the 18th lap, moving into second place.
Norris eventually crossed the finish line in third, while championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli took fourth for Mercedes.
The result allows Russell to reduce the gap to Antonelli in the drivers’ championship, although the Italian remains firmly in control of the standings.
Verstappen sixth, Hamilton seventh
Max Verstappen finished sixth in front of his home crowd, with the Red Bull driver unable to challenge for the podium.
Lewis Hamilton endured another difficult session with Ferrari and finished seventh, behind Verstappen. Pierre Gasly completed the points-paying positions in eighth for Alpine.
Gabriel Bortoleto finished ninth for Audi, while Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad rounded out the top ten.
Russell’s victory gives Mercedes an important result ahead of Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix, while Antonelli will retain the championship lead heading into the main race.