Kimi Antonelli was left ruing an uncharacteristic error in qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix which eliminated the championship leader in the first session after he hit a wall in Baku.
Russell Claims Pole
His Mercedes teammate George Russell claimed pole with a fine lap and will be in a strong position to make up ground in the title chase in Saturday’s race.
The error was striking because Antonelli had shown such composure in stepping up to control the championship in only his second season in the sport. The Italian has barely put a foot wrong this season.
Opportunities Remain
Russell is in every position to take advantage but Antonelli knows that the race is far from a write-off. At Monza he came back from 19th to take victory and Baku, with its long straights, has similarly generous opportunities for overtaking.
It will nonetheless be another serious test for the youngster who must maintain his nerve to close out a title that is within his grasp.
