Leclerc Claims Fourth Consecutive Baku Pole as Norris Faces Shock Q1 Exit
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying session delivered a mix of exhilarating highs and surprising lows as Charles Leclerc secured pole position for the fourth consecutive year at the Baku City Circuit. In an impressive display of speed, Leclerc outpaced McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by a substantial margin, clocking in at 1:41.365, nearly three-tenths of a second faster than Piastri’s 1:41.686. Ferrari’s dominance at this venue continues, with Leclerc’s teammate Carlos Sainz rounding out the top three.
The session unfolded with drama as Lando Norris, a key title contender, faced an unexpected setback. Norris, who is fighting a 62-point deficit to current leader Max Verstappen, was knocked out in Q1, starting Sunday’s race from a disappointing 17th position. Norris’s elimination came after a frustrating final lap disrupted by yellow flags and a slow-moving car, effectively ending his chances of progressing further.
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Leclerc’s pole is a testament to his and Ferrari’s strong performance at Baku. His previous successes here in 2021, 2022, and 2023 have now been complemented by this latest achievement. The driver himself acknowledged the challenge of navigating the tight and tricky circuit, noting, “The pace was always there and then in qualifying and Q3 it was all about trying to stay as far as possible off the walls.” His final lap was a masterclass in precision driving, showcasing why he’s a favorite on this unique track.
Behind Leclerc, Piastri’s impressive second-place finish highlights McLaren’s progress, though their other driver, Norris, will be battling an uphill struggle from 17th. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz took third, keeping the Scuderia’s front-row presence intact. Red Bull, despite showing promising pace, had to settle for fourth and sixth positions, with Sergio Perez edging out Max Verstappen. Mercedes’ George Russell took fifth, while Lewis Hamilton was seventh, struggling to get his tyres up to temperature.
The session also saw Williams rookie Franco Colapinto shine by making it into Q3 on only his second race weekend, an achievement overshadowed somewhat by a misfortune for his teammate Alex Albon. Albon’s car was released with an airbox fan still attached, causing him to stop on track and ultimately finish tenth.
The qualifying drama did not end there. The likes of Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly fell short of making it to the final shootout, while Haas drivers Nikita Mazepin and Nico Hulkenberg struggled. The most notable casualty was Norris, who will need to execute a remarkable recovery on race day to make any impact on the championship standings.
With Leclerc’s dominant performance and Norris’s shocking exit, the stage is set for a thrilling Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The race promises to be a spectacle of strategy and skill as drivers navigate the challenging streets of Baku.
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