Key takeaways
- SQ1 elimination: Fernando Alonso will start from the back of the grid for the Dutch GP Sprint following a disappointing SQ1 exit.
- Engine driveability issues: Alonso cited an unexpected excess power delivery from the Honda engine under braking, severely compromising car handling.
- DRS failure: A malfunction prevented the rear wing’s Straight Line Mode (DRS) from deploying during his flying laps.
Fernando Alonso reported an unusual setback during Sprint Qualifying at Circuit Zandvoort, pointing to power delivery issues with his Honda power unit as the main driver behind his SQ1 elimination. After showing encouraging pace in Free Practice 1, the Aston Martin driver struggled with car control during the competitive session, leaving him set to start Saturday’s Sprint race from the back of the field.
Alonso explained that an over-delivery of power from the engine under braking severely compromised handling, making it difficult to control the car into Zandvoort’s technical corners. Additionally, a mechanical failure on the rear wing of his AMR26 prevented the activation of Straight Line Mode (DRS).
“A bit of everything happened. Free practice was more or less smooth, but in qualifying we had engine issues. Driveability was compromised under braking, and it was difficult to slow the car down at times because the engine was delivering excess power,” Alonso explained after the session.
“I also couldn’t use Straight Line Mode because the rear wing wouldn’t open. So the combination of those factors made the laps very complicated,” he added.
Despite the difficult qualifying result, Alonso emphasized that the underlying potential of Aston Martin’s latest aerodynamic updates remains intact, pointing to his encouraging performance in FP1.
“As I said before, free practice was good and I felt we took a step forward. But I think it’s still very early, and we need a few tweaks,” he evaluated.
“It’s a sprint weekend. On a normal weekend, we would have three practice sessions to fine-tune the car. With a sprint, we have to deal with today’s qualifying. Tomorrow we have the sprint race, so we will try to understand a few more things as well,” Alonso concluded.
Formula 1 action continues at Zandvoort with Saturday’s Sprint race, followed by main Qualifying for the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. GRANDE PRÊMIO covers all track activities live from Zandvoort with reporter Leonid Kliuev. Follow all paddock updates on our news page.
Sprint Qualifying Top Results: Dutch Grand Prix 2026
| Pos | Driver | Team | Time | Gap |
| 1 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:11.567 | — |
| 2 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:11.608 | +0.041s |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:11.622 | +0.055s |
| 4 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:11.666 | +0.099s |
| 5 | Andrea Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:11.794 | +0.227s |
Session schedule: Dutch Grand Prix 2026
| Session | Local time (CEST) | UTC |
| Free Practice 1 | Friday, August 21 – 12:30 | 10:30 |
| Sprint Qualifying | Friday, August 21 – 16:30 | 14:30 |
| Sprint Race | Saturday, August 22 – 12:00 | 10:00 |
| Qualifying | Saturday, August 22 – 16:00 | 14:00 |
| Race | Sunday, August 23 – 15:00 | 13:00 |
Broadcast guide: Where to watch in the United States
- United States (Eastern Time / ET)
- Broadcaster: Apple TV
- Sprint Race: Saturday, August 22 – 06:00 ET
- Qualifying: Saturday, August 22 – 10:00 ET
- Race: Sunday, August 23 – 09:00 ET
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Where will Fernando Alonso start the Dutch GP Sprint race?
Fernando Alonso will start from the back of the grid after being eliminated in SQ1.
2. What caused Alonso’s SQ1 elimination at Zandvoort?
His qualifying attempt was compromised by excess engine power delivery under braking and a rear wing malfunction that prevented DRS from opening.
3. Did Aston Martin bring upgrades to the Dutch Grand Prix?
Yes, Aston Martin introduced updated floor elements and modified front wing endplates for the Zandvoort weekend.
