George Russell led from start to finish to win the Sprint race at the Dutch Grand Prix and maintain his perfect start to Formula One's return to action on Saturday. 

Russell withstood an initial challenge from Lando Norris before converting his pole position into a victory, while also cutting his deficit in the championship to Kimi Antonelli.

The Briton is now 56 points behind Antonelli, who jumped above Oscar Piastri in the 24-lap race to finish in fourth, behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Norris. 

Leclerc produced a brilliant launch up the inside of Norris six laps from the end to take second, while the reigning world champion had to defend a late surge from Antonelli. 

Piastri took the chequered flag in fifth, ahead of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, while Alpine's Pierre Gasly rounded out the top eight ahead of qualifying later in the day.

YES GEORGE! Sprint Race victory on Saturday pic.twitter.com/K2MysGq8GY

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) August 22, 2026

After securing pole position, Russell insisted he would remain grounded in his quest for victory, and he got the ideal start when he quickly zipped away from the chasing pack.

Norris was able to close that gap slightly but was never able to get to within a second of his compatriot, which would have deployed the overtake mode in Zandvoort. 

The McLaren driver complained of having no grip in his rear tyres and that was evident when Leclerc began to close the gap before getting the job done on lap 18 of the race. 

Antonelli was in hot pursuit and got within 0.3secs of Norris, but he was able to hold on and finish in the podium positions, with rain beginning to pour as Russell crossed the line.

TOP 8

1. George Russell (Mercedes) 

2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

3. Lando Norris (McLaren)

4. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

7. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

8. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

Drivers'

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 224

2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 171

3. George Russell (Mercedes) – 168

4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 145

5. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 134

Constructors'

1. Mercedes – 392

2. Ferrari – 316

3. McLaren – 230

4. Red Bull – 180

5. Racing Bulls – 66