Williams F1 driver Logan Sargeant’s massive shunt during a damp Practice Three before the Dutch Grand Prix resulted in his car igniting and a prolonged interruption as teams missed crucial data ahead of Qualifying at Zandvoort.
Sargeant – who’s lost his 2025 seat with Williams inking Carlos Sainz to join Alex Albon – spun into the barrier at Turn Four after sliding onto the grass, but swiftly escaped to safety as marshals extinguished the blaze.
Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg had earlier been seen with half a front wing having collided with the barrier at Turn 11 after locking up, the latest in a series of braking issues for the German so far this weekend.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Mercedes’ George Russell – the latter who topped the timesheets during Friday’s third practice – went off at Turn One in the wet conditions.
Only 10 drivers managed to clock times prior to Sargeant’s accident, with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso setting the quickest lap, a 1:21.461, before the extensive barrier repairs paused a session that only then restarted with two minutes remaining.
World championship leader Verstappen was given a warning for crossing the pit lane exit line while overtaking, going around the outside of Mercedes driver Russell.
Ferrari’s Sainz was another of the drivers denied key track time, another blow for the 29-year-old after a gearbox issue on Friday restricted him to just seven laps in second practice.
The weekend’s programme (Malta time)
Saturday August 24
2pm: Dutch GP Qualifying build-up
3pm: DUTCH GP QUALIFYING
5pm: F1 Academy: Race One
Sunday August 25
10.40am: F1 Academy: Race Two
1:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP build-up
3pm: The DUTCH GRAND PRIX
