Max Verstappen secured pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying session on Saturday in Baku, edging out Williams’ Carlos Sainz in a dramatic event marked by six red flags caused by multiple crashes. This intense session saw the championship leader Oscar Piastri involved in a significant incident that disrupted qualifying and added heightened tension heading into race day.
Verstappen Clinches Pole Amid Multiple Red Flags
In a gripping finale to Q3, Verstappen recorded his fastest lap on the final flying lap to narrowly surpass Carlos Sainz, who had performed impressively for Williams throughout the session. The closing moments featured two red flags alone, triggered by crashes involving Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, intensifying the chaos and pressure for drivers vying for top spots on the grid.
Despite the setback, Piastri will start ninth, while his McLaren teammate Lando Norris, recovering from a lap marred by a collision with the wall, could only manage seventh place. This result leaves the McLaren drivers separated by 31 points in the Drivers’ Championship and sets up a challenging race where they must navigate through traffic during Sunday’s 51-lap Grand Prix.
McLaren Duo Faces uphill Battle in Baku Race
The qualifying outcome means McLaren’s pair must fight through the field if they hope to improve their standings in the championship. Piastri’s crash disrupted his rhythm, while Norris’s uncharacteristic error limited his recovery in the session. The pair will aim to capitalize on race strategy and safety car opportunities to overcome their mid-grid starting positions when the lights go out at noon, with live coverage beginning at 10.30 a.m. on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event.
Strong Midfield Performances Highlight Qualifying
Liam Lawson impressed with a career-best third-place qualification for Racing Bulls, closely followed by teammate Kimi Antonelli in fourth. Mercedes drivers also showed pace, with George Russell qualifying fifth, just behind Antonelli. Yuki Tsunoda recorded his best qualifying performance as a Red Bull driver, securing sixth place ahead of Isack Hadjar, who qualified eighth for Racing Bulls. This mix of young talent and experienced drivers indicates a competitive midfield battle to watch in the race.
Challenges for Top Drivers and Team Prospects
Ferrari showed potential during Friday’s sessions, but their qualifying hit a snag when Leclerc crashed early in Q3, resulting in a tenth-place start. Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in Q2 after a difficult lap, starting 12th. Williams’ Alex Albon kicked off the series of incidents by crashing at Turn 1, causing the first red flag. Other notable incidents included Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg and Alpine’s Franco Colapinto crashing out in Q1, with Haas’s Oliver Bearman hitting the barriers at Turn 2 during Q2, contributing to the extended disruption.
Complete Azerbaijan Qualifying Starting Grid
1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2) Carlos Sainz, Williams
3) Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
4) Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
5) George Russell, Mercedes
6) Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull
7) Lando Norris, McLaren
8) Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls
9) Oscar Piastri, McLaren
10) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
What’s Ahead for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
The chaotic nature of qualifying raises concerns about the potential for further incidents during the race, especially with the tight confines of Baku’s street circuit. Teams like McLaren face pressure to make strategic gains, while Verstappen’s pole position reinforces his championship challenge. The 51-lap race, starting at 12 p.m. local time on Sunday with build-up from 10.30 a.m., promises to be a test of endurance and precision, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event.
