Charles Leclerc grabbed a fourth pole at the Baku City Circuit, the Ferrari man turning into something of a specialist around this track. It was a good qualifying full stop for Ferrari, with Carlos Sainz in third for the Scuderia – setting them up perfectly for the race.
But McLaren endured a mixed session, and Max Verstappen couldn’t fully capitalise on his title rival Lando Norris’ misfortune. Here are the best facts and stats from qualifying in Azerbaijan…
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Leclerc is the second Ferrari driver to take four straight poles at the same venue after Michael Schumacher, who did so at Suzuka, Barcelona and Sepang.
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It’s the Monegasque driver’s third pole of the year and 26th career pole – tying him for ninth on the all time table for most with a single constructor with Mika Hakkinen (McLaren) and Lewis Hamilton (McLaren).
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This is Ferrari’s fifth pole in Baku, but they have never won at this track.
READ MORE: Leclerc beats Piastri to pole in Azerbaijan as Norris suffers shock Q1 exit
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Oscar Piastri grabbed second, his fifth career front row start but the Australian is yet to start from pole in a Grand Prix.
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His grid slot is McLaren’s first top-six start in Baku.
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Sainz grabbed third, his best-ever qualifying in Baku, and his first top-three start since Monaco.
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Sergio Perez was fourth, having out-qualified Verstappen for the first time since Miami 2023, ending a 33-race streak.
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All of Red Bull’s wins at this track have come from below the front row.
