Russell wins Dutch Sprint, but Antonelli limits damage: 2026 F1 standings update

Key takeaways

• Championship lead extended: Andrea Kimi Antonelli expanded his World Championship advantage over Lewis Hamilton to 53 points after finishing 4th in the Zandvoort Sprint.
• Russell closes in: Sprint race winner George Russell cut his gap to teammate Antonelli to 56 points, moving within 3 points of Hamilton’s 2nd place in the standings.
• Ferrari vs McLaren battle: Charles Leclerc’s 2nd-place finish gained 7 points for Ferrari, helping the Scuderia maintain a solid cushion over McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship.

Despite George Russell’s victorious drive in Saturday’s Sprint race at Circuit Zandvoort, Andrea Kimi Antonelli successfully managed damage control by finishing 4th. With title rival Lewis Hamilton crossing the line in 7th, Antonelli extended his lead at the top of the Drivers’ World Championship to 53 points.

Russell’s victory netted him 8 points, allowing the British driver to trim 3 points off Antonelli’s overall advantage. Now trailing his teammate by 56 points, Russell sits just 3 points behind Hamilton, positioning himself for a potential move into 2nd place in Sunday’s main race.

Charles Leclerc holds 4th place in the standings with 145 points after securing 2nd place on soft tyres, while Lando Norris sits 5th on 134 points. Max Verstappen remains 6th with 112 points, followed by Oscar Piastri (96) and Isack Hadjar (68), who is sitting out the Dutch round due to a wrist injury. Liam Lawson and Pierre Gasly round out the top ten, tied at 43 points each.

In the Constructors’ World Championship, Mercedes continues to lead the way with 392 points, maintaining a 76-point margin over Ferrari (316). McLaren holds 3rd with 230 points, while Red Bull (180) and Racing Bulls (66) round out the top five.

Formula 1 action continues at Zandvoort with 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.

World Championship standings after Dutch GP Sprint

Drivers’ Championship

Constructors’ Championship

Session schedule: Dutch Grand Prix 2026

Broadcast guide: Where to watch in the United States

• United States (Eastern Time / ET)
  • Broadcaster: Apple TV
  • Qualifying: Saturday, August 22 – 10:00 ET
  • Race: Sunday, August 23 – 09:00 ET

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. How many points separated Antonelli and Hamilton after the Dutch GP Sprint?

Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads Lewis Hamilton by 53 points following the Sprint race at Zandvoort.

2. How many points did George Russell gain with his Sprint victory?

George Russell earned 8 points for winning the Sprint, bringing his total to 168 points.

3. Are points awarded for the Sprint race in F1 2026?

Yes, the top eight finishers in the Sprint race receive points on an 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale.