Max Verstappen delivered a masterclass in control to secure pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after one of the most chaotic qualifying sessions Formula One has seen in years. The Dutch driver kept his composure through six red flag interruptions, tricky winds, and late drizzle to set the fastest lap of 1:41.117 on the demanding Baku street circuit.
The session, lasting two hours, was marked by multiple crashes and high drama as leading contenders struggled. Championship leader Oscar Piastri was among the casualties, crashing heavily into the wall at Turn 3 in the final minutes. The Australian admitted he braked too late in his push for a strong lap, a mistake that could prove costly in the title race. His teammate and closest rival, Lando Norris, failed to capitalize, brushing the wall himself and settling for seventh on the grid.
Williams’ Carlos Sainz surprised the field with an impressive drive to second place, showing confidence in the changing conditions. Liam Lawson secured a career-best third for Racing Bulls, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the qualifying. Mercedes’ young talent Kimi Antonelli shone once again with fourth place, followed by George Russell in fifth. Ferrari endured a mixed day, with Charles Leclerc crashing out before posting a competitive time and Lewis Hamilton managing only 12th.
The session opened with chaos as four red flags in Q1 disrupted the rhythm of nearly every driver. As conditions worsened with gusty winds and light rain, mistakes piled up. Leclerc was among those caught out, spinning into the barriers at Turn 15. By the final shootout, with only minutes on the clock, it became a one-lap showdown.
Norris went first but struggled with grip on the damp surface, compromising his lap. Verstappen, however, found the balance and rhythm when it mattered most. His precision under pressure underscored the mental resilience that complements his raw pace, sealing his first pole position in Baku, a circuit where he has yet to claim victory.
With rivals starting from the midfield, Verstappen is in a strong position to convert pole into a crucial win. Piastri and Norris must now fight through traffic to salvage points and keep the championship battle alive. Based on the chaos of qualifying, Sunday’s race promises more drama on the unforgiving streets of Baku.
