Charles Leclerc Takes Azerbaijan GP Pole as Norris Faces Setback in Championship Race
In a dramatic qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc once again showcased his dominance on the streets of Baku, securing pole position for the fourth consecutive year. Leclerc clocked the fastest lap, 0.321 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, positioning himself perfectly for a potential second win of the season after his recent victory at the Italian Grand Prix. However, despite his impressive pole record in Baku, Leclerc has yet to convert it into a race win on this challenging circuit. He remains optimistic, stating that while previous races have been difficult, his Ferrari has shown improved race pace this year.
For Lando Norris, the day took a frustrating turn. Attempting to close a 62-point gap to championship leader Max Verstappen, Norris faced a significant setback in his title chase. He initially qualified 17th but will start 16th after Pierre Gasly’s disqualification due to a technical infringement. A yellow flag during Norris’ final lap in Q1 forced him to slow down, ruining a promising lap time. The McLaren driver expressed his frustration, explaining that overtaking in Baku is much harder than it appears, and his chances of climbing through the field on race day seem slim. Norris’ team is also reportedly in discussions with the FIA over whether the yellow flag was necessary at that point in the session.
Also Read:Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, who could extend his lead in the championship, had his struggles as well. The Red Bull driver could only manage sixth in qualifying, a result that has raised questions about the team’s pace. His teammate, Sergio Perez, fared slightly better, placing fourth. Verstappen admitted he was uncomfortable with the car’s setup on the street circuit, limiting his ability to push to the limit.
Elsewhere on the grid, Mercedes’ George Russell qualified fifth, ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton in seventh, while Fernando Alonso placed eighth for Aston Martin. British rookie Oliver Bearman delivered a notable performance for Haas, qualifying 11th in only his second race, impressing many with his steady rise through the ranks.
With Leclerc starting from pole and Verstappen looking to minimize any potential damage to his championship lead, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be a tense and unpredictable race. The stage is set for a battle between the front-runners, while Norris faces an uphill task in his quest to keep his championship hopes alive.
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