Antonelli fastest from Norris ahead of Sprint Qualifying as F1 returns

Kimi Antonelli outpaced Lando Norris in the sole practice session at the Dutch Grand Prix but Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari appear to be closely matched; watch Sprint Qualifying later on Friday at 3.30pm with the Sprint itself on Saturday at 11am, live on Sky Sports F1

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was fastest from Lando Norris in the only practice session at the Dutch Grand Prix as Formula 1 returned from its summer break.

Antonelli, who is 50 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers' Championship, continued where he left off by showing great pace throughout practice to better Norris by 0.121s and asserted himself as favourite for Sprint Qualifying later on Friday at 3.30pm, live on Sky Sports F1 .

McLaren have brought upgrades to the rear of the car to complete the package that helped Norris to victory last time out in Hungary and are set to contend at the front again with Mercedes and Ferrari.

Although Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were fourth and fifth, Ferrari's new floor at Zandvoort appeared to be working well with both drivers within three tenths of Antonelli. The pair set their best lap times earlier than the Mercedes and McLarens, so, in theory, had a slower track.

George Russell was third and only 0.125s adrift of Antonelli as he looks to get his championship challenge back on track after a disappointing run of form before the summer break.

Oscar Piastri was unable to match Norris and finished six tenths back while the newly re-signed Max Verstappen at Red Bull was only 11th.

Verstappen was visibly struggling with the balance of his car and faces the prospect of a challenging final home event as the Dutch Grand Prix does not have a contract beyond this year.

Friday August 21 1.45pm: Team Bosses' Press Conference 3pm: Dutch GP Sprint Qualifying (session starts at 3.30pm)

Saturday August 22 8.15am: F1 Academy Qualifying 10am: Dutch GP Sprint build-up 11am: DUTCH GP SPRINT* 1.30pm: F1 Academy Race 1 2.20pm: Dutch GP Qualifying build-up* 3pm: DUTCH GP QUALIFYING* 5pm: Porsche Supercup Race 1

Sunday August 23 9.35am: F1 Academy Race 2 10.50am: Porsche Supercup Race 2 12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP build-up 2pm: THE DUTCH GRAND PRIX 4pm: Chequered Flag: Dutch GP reaction

Formula 1 is at Zandvoort for a Sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix with every session live on Sky Sports. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime