Max Verstappen secured a surprising pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix despite running out of tire grip during qualifying. The Dutch driver, coming off a dominant win at the Italian GP, faced challenges throughout the weekend but ultimately showcased remarkable pace at the Baku circuit, setting him up as a strong contender for race day victory.
From the onset of the Azerbaijan GP weekend, Verstappen struggled in practice sessions and appeared to be off the pace. However, improvements made by Red Bull before qualifying significantly boosted his car’s performance. The multiple red flags during qualifying also played a key role by preserving his lap time, allowing Verstappen to capitalize on fewer interruptions and avoid losing crucial seconds on the track.
Starting alongside Carlos Sainz on the front row, Verstappen’s pole came amid an unpredictable qualifying session filled with accidents. Drivers such as Liam Lawson and Kimi Antonelli surprisingly secured spots on the second row, signaling an unusual grid lineup for the race. Verstappen reflected on the demanding session, emphasizing the difficulties caused by the stoppages.
Challenges of a Prolonged and Stop-Start Qualifying Session
Verstappen described the qualifying as long and interrupted, which made warming up tires difficult amid numerous red flags. These frequent stoppages stretched the session by an additional hour and disrupted drivers’ rhythm. Despite these complications, Verstappen pushed hard on his last flying lap, managing to extract maximum performance even though he was no longer on optimal tires.
“A long Qualifying to be honest with so many red flags. Hard to get your tires in condition with so many stoppages. The last lap you just have to send it, I wasn’t even on the best tires are with the red flags, you run out of tires.” Max Verstappen said in a post-session interview
Red Bull’s Rising Pace After the Summer Break
Since the summer break, Red Bull has visibly enhanced their car’s competitiveness, giving Verstappen a better chance to challenge for wins and poles. Fresh off his victory in Monza, Verstappen expressed confidence in the team’s pace on the Baku street circuit, despite the Saturday chaos. He believes that even without the multiple red flags, the team had a realistic opportunity for pole position.
“We definitely were in there for pole, but I’m just happy as since Monza we are doing a better job.” Max Verstappen noted
Verstappen’s comments highlight the improving form of Red Bull, which continues to narrow the performance gap with their rivals. The team’s adjustments since Monza seem to have positively affected their qualifying pace, which is crucial as the championship progresses.
Uncertain Championship Battle as Verstappen Chases Piastri
Coming into Baku, Verstappen trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 96 points. With only seven races left in the season, the Dutch champion has little margin for error if he wants to reduce Piastri’s lead. If Piastri fails to score points this weekend, Verstappen could cut the deficit by up to 69 points, setting up a tense stretch to the season finale.
The race in Baku is poised to be unpredictable, especially with unusual drivers occupying top grid spots. Verstappen’s pole and potential race win could shift momentum, but challenges remain given the tight points gap and the unpredictable nature of street circuits.
Strong Qualifying Performance Sets Course for Sunday
Max Verstappen’s ability to secure pole under difficult circumstances and with depleted tires demonstrates his skill and Red Bull’s progress this season. His praise for the team’s improvements since Monza confirms that the Dutchman is focused on closing the championship gap. With a promising starting position and a competitive car, Verstappen is well-placed to challenge for victory, which would tighten the title race significantly.
The outcome of the Azerbaijan GP weekend will be crucial for Verstappen’s title hopes, adding intense pressure but also opportunity as the season approaches its climax.
Max Verstappen: A long Qualifying to be honest with so many red flags. Hard to get your tyres in condition with so many stoppages. The last lap you just have to send it, I wasn't even on the best tyres are with the red flags, you run out of tyres.
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) September 20, 2025
