Report: One through to SQ2 as Formula 1 returns from the break
Alex Albon will start P16, with Carlos Sainz in P18 for Saturday's Sprint at Zandvoort
Published
21 AUG 2026
Est. reading time
2 min
Formula 1 emerged from its summer shutdown by immediately heading to the Dutch coast for a Sprint weekend at what's set to be the final Dutch Grand Prix.
Alex Albon will line up P16 for Saturday's 100km dash across the dunes, with Carlos Sainz on the row behind after qualifying P18.
The day began with grey skies and rain in the air, with FP1 starting with single exploratory laps on intermediate tyres – the first time the FW48 has run in the rain.
However, it was already dry enough for slicks, with Alex and Carlos quickly switching to the soft compound to get through a busy hour of running.
Our Spanish driver had several trips through the gravel, not helped by floor damage from an earlier excursion, and he ended the only practice session in P22, while Alex was P19.
As we went into Sprint Qualifying, the sun was shining and it was straight to work. Alex's first of two attempts was good enough to make it through to SQ2, with a 1:14.596 putting him P15.
Carlos found some time on his final attempt, but a 1:14.738 saw him miss out on an SQ2 berth by a tenth.
Into SQ2, Alex's first push lap saw him come across a couple of Ferraris in the final sector, recording a 1:14.294.
On his second and final attempt, a lock-up at the banked third turn saw him heading quickly towards the barrier. Alex did well to keep it out of trouble, but his lap was over, securing P16.
Full reaction to follow.
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