The Japan Times - Russell wins Dutch GP sprint race, Antonelli fourth

Russell got away cleanly at lights out and never looked challenged over the 24-lap sprint race, outpacing Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who finished second, by 1.36 seconds.

Leclerc's battle with current world champion Lando Norris was the highlight of the race, the Ferrari overhauling the McLaren in a thrilling overtake on the straight in the 18th lap.

"Obviously great start to the weekend. If it was one more lap, it would have been a very potentially different end to the race so glad the rain came when it did," said Russell, after the heavens opened just at the chequered flag.

Norris, who complained of problems with the rear of his McLaren, came in third, just managing to hold off teenage sensation Antonelli.

"I just don't have the pace. There's nothing we can do," said Norris.

Antonelli started fifth on the grid after running into the gravel during qualifying and damaging the floor of his Mercedes.

He did manage to jump McLaren's Oscar Piastri at the start to gain a place, coming in fourth with the Australian finishing fifth.

Home favourite Max Verstappen, on a high after extending his Red Bull contract until 2030, failed to improve on his grid position, ending up sixth.

He had an enjoyable tussle with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the battle between two legends of the sport exciting the Zandvoort crowd.

Later Saturday, the drivers will wrestle for pole position for Sunday's Grand Prix, which promises to one of the most open races of the season.

Very little separates the top three teams -- Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren -- and Red Bull's Verstappen can never be ruled out in his home Grand Prix.

After the sprint race, Antonelli holds a 53-point lead over his closest rival Hamilton but with every sign the gap could narrow towards the end of the season.

Sunday's Grand Prix will be the last edition for the Dutch since the Zandvoort circuit was reintroduced to the calendar in 2021.

Despite attracting big crowds eager to see Verstappen, promoters have pulled the plug, saying the financial risks were too great.

T.Sato--JT