George Russell delivered a commanding performance in Formula 1 qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, securing his fifth pole of the season with a time of 1m42.526s, nearly a second clear of Charles Leclerc. This marks the 12th pole of his career and strengthens his championship challenge.
However, the session ended in drama for Mercedes as teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli crashed out in Q1. The Italian clipped the wall at Turn 1, damaging his car and ending his qualifying prematurely. Although his earlier time was good enough for Q2, he was classified 16th and unable to continue.
Behind Russell, a tight battle unfolded between Leclerc and Oscar Piastri. Leclerc had to settle for second, while Piastri, who briefly held provisional pole in Q3, finished third, 0.838s adrift and just 0.001s behind the Ferrari. The margins highlight the competitiveness of the Baku City Circuit.
Lando Norris could only manage fifth, one place behind Isack Hadjar, who returned to F1 after a three-race absence. A late off cost Norris time on his final push lap, leaving him over a second behind Russell. This result deals a blow to Norris's championship aspirations.
Lewis Hamilton qualified sixth, ahead of Pierre Gasly and Max Verstappen, who endured a disappointing session to line up eighth. Carlos Sainz impressed by putting Williams into Q3 for the first time in 2026, finishing ninth, with Franco Colapinto completing the top 10.
Antonelli's crash was a major talking point, given his adaptation to F1. It also raised questions about the Mercedes car's limits on street circuits. Nevertheless, Russell demonstrated the car's potential.
With this result, Russell closes the gap to his teammate at the top of the standings, though he still trails by 81 points. The race promises to be thrilling on the challenging Baku circuit.
Baca Juga
Lewis Hamilton kesal dengan strategi Ferrari di kualifikasi GP Azerbaijan. Tanpa slipstream, ia tertinggal 1,3 detik dari pole dan finis keenam. Simak alasannya.
Isack Hadjar yakin bisa start kedua di F1 Azerbaijan 2026 jika tidak absen tiga balapan. Ia finis keempat di kualifikasi, ungguli Verstappen.
Max Verstappen sebut kualifikasi F1 Azerbaijan GP sebagai bencana usai finis kedelapan. Masalah mesin dan baterai jadi penyebab utama.
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