Multiple red flags and difficult traffic conditions impacted Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team's qualifying for the 2021 Dutch Grand Prix, with Lance Stroll denied a chance at Q3.
It followed an encouraging third practice session in which Lance finished seventh, narrowly ahead of team-mate Sebastian Vettel, as the duo became increasingly familiar with Zandvoort.
Lance
Lance demonstrated his top 10 potential right from the off in Q1 and on his first run on a set of new Soft tyres, posting a competitive 1.11.267 time after managing to find some clean air on a busy track.
The circuit conditions became increasingly windy as Q1 progressed and track evolution was favouring drivers who lapped later.
Lance undertook a second run in the final minutes of Q1 on a new set of Softs, and his initial 1.10.821 lap time was quickly overtaken by his rivals.
But the Canadian was able to get in one more push lap and fired in a 1.10.438 effort to lift him into P13 and well clear of the drop zone.
Q2 proved more challenging after a late twist involving two red flags.
Dutch Grand Prix
Formula One returns to The Netherlands for the first time since 1985, but the Dutch Grand Prix is back with a twist. The circuit features an incredibly daunting banked corner and a revised, high-speed, narrow circuit through the sand dunes of Zandvoort...
Lance was able to set a competitive 1.10.367 lap that put him in a provisional sixth place ahead of his second run.
But while Lance was in the pits, the Williams of George Russell ran off the track and caused a red flag delay.
Lance was able to get out on a new set of Softs and entered the track in a provisional 12th place, but, ahead of completing his flying lap, Nicholas Latifi caused a second red flag.
With just over a minute left on the clock, the session was ended, resigning Lance to starting the Dutch Grand Prix from 12th.
"It is a real shame that the red flags prevented us from making Q3. We were on for a much better lap and I think it would have been enough. We had pace in the car, so it is a shame not to be able to fully show it.
"While it is not the result we wanted today, I am already looking forward to qualifying here next year, it is such a fun circuit to drive.
"From P12 on the grid, I know we can fight for points. I do not expect a lot of overtaking in the race, so making a good start and executing a good strategy will be crucial.
"Our focus is already on tomorrow and coming back stronger."
Sebastian
Sebastian's qualifying was heavily impacted by both traffic and track evolution, preventing him from joining Lance in Q2.
He began the session encouragingly with a 1.11.522 lap time on a set of new Softs, which put him firmly in contention to progress into Q2, but track evolution became increasingly crucial.
But Sebastian was prevented from a second run when a Haas driver overtook his team-mate, blocking the German and hindering his lap on an already busy circuit.
Having lost significant time, Sebastian was unable to begin a second flying lap, which left him down in 17th.
"It is a disappointing result and there are lessons to learn today. I think a place in Q2 was achievable with a clear run and I felt good in the car, but there was a lot of traffic that prevented me from getting the chance to complete a push lap and maximise the track evolution.
"Regardless, we were not able to make a big enough step forward from our encouraging practice pace, so we need to understand why that was the case.
"It is difficult to overtake here, but anything can happen tomorrow, especially on such a challenging track. We will try to make up ground in the race and take advantage of any opportunities."
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