Formula-1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Main Race: Verstappen on Pole, Excitement High in Baku

Baku is ready for the speed show again: today's main race will take place on the city track in front of fully packed stands.

Idman.biz reports that Saturday's qualifying round turned into a drama with a record number of red flag stoppages.

The "Red Bull" pilot Max Verstappen came out of the chaos the best and won the pole position. Carlos Sainz from "Williams" will be next to him in the first row, and Liam Lawson, the driver of "Racing Bulls", will start from the third place.

The top five also includes Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. Championship leader Oscar Piastri from McLaren finished ninth after touching the wall. Lando Norris took seventh place and Charles Leclerc from Ferrari took tenth place. The official starting grid has been approved by Formula 1.

The decisions of the judges also created tension: Esteban Ocon was disqualified from the qualifying round because the rear wing did not meet the rules and will start the race from the end of the peloton. This is a serious blow for Haas and will cause the team to rely on risky strategies as well as safety cars.

The key to Sunday's race is the balance of speed on the long straight and stability in the narrow turns of Icherisheher. "Red Bull" is traditionally strong in pace, but the podium chance is given to both Sainz's "Williams" and the daring Lawson's "Racing Bulls".

Mercedes starts from a tight position and can gain an advantage over McLaren with a pit-stop strategy. McLaren, on the other hand, must attack to recover from Saturday's mistakes. Important point: the red flag was raised six times in qualifying. The result is clear - endurance, proper braking and accuracy at the exits of straights win in Baku.

An additional factor is the weather. There is a chance of rain in Baku on Sunday, and this could completely change the race with tire selection and a pit-stop window in just one lap.

In short: pole at Verstappen, next to him Sainz, and Lawson is third. Ocon will start from the very end. A strategic battle is expected, with a high probability of the safety car appearing.

Let us remind you that Oscar Piastri won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last year. The only driver who has won twice in Baku so far is Sergio Perez, the former Red Bull driver (2021 and 2023). Today, Max Verstappen can repeat the success of his teammate.

Teymur Tushiyev
Idman.biz