Russell takes Azerbaijan pole as Antonelli crashes out in qualifying
Mercedes’ George Russell beat Charles Leclerc by 0.837 seconds, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start 16th after a Turn One crash.
George Russell secured pole for Mercedes at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, carrying his strong pace through qualifying to finish 0.837 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Oscar Piastri qualified third for McLaren.
Russell’s team-mate Kimi Antonelli was knocked out in the opening session after hitting the inside wall at Turn One. The impact broke his Mercedes’ suspension, leaving him set to start 16th.
The crash followed reliability problems that had limited Antonelli’s running on Friday. BBC Sport reports that the Italian entered qualifying as championship leader, 81 points ahead of Russell.
Carlos Sainz qualified in the top 10 for the first time this year, giving Williams its first such result of the season. The team brought a new chassis to Baku, which BBC Sport says has brought the car down to the weight limit; the circuit may also suit its characteristics.
Lewis Hamilton qualified sixth and Max Verstappen eighth. BBC Sport reported that Verstappen’s final run was disrupted after Lando Norris went off track.
