Max Verstappen claimed pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a chaotic qualifying session that featured a record six red flags. The defending world champion will be joined on the front row by Carlos Sainz, while Lando Norris could only manage seventh place.
The session was repeatedly interrupted by incidents, including crashes for Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri. Piastri's crash in Q3 brought out the sixth red flag, leaving drivers with limited time to set a lap. Verstappen ultimately secured his first pole in Baku, ahead of Sainz and Liam Lawson in third.
Norris, who is second in the drivers' championship, admitted he lacked grip and could not match Verstappen's pace. 'I maybe lost a couple of tenths on turn 15, but I wouldn't have matched Max today,' he said. 'The Red Bull is just as quick as we are.'
Verstappen praised his team's efforts amid the challenging conditions. 'Very difficult qualifying, especially in Q3 when the rain started falling. I'm very happy with how the weekend went, we kept improving and we were there when it mattered,' he said.
Sainz, who was provisional leader before Verstappen's final lap, expressed satisfaction with his performance. 'We've nailed qualifying today. Every time on the right tyre ... we knew someone would probably overtake us, but only Max managed it,' he said.
The race on Sunday promises to be eventful, with several drivers facing uphill battles. Norris remains confident of moving up the field, while Piastri, who will start from the back, acknowledged that a win is 'ambitious' but hopes to make progress.
