Azerbaijan Grand Prix Qualifying: Record Six Red Flags, Leclerc and Piastri Crash

Chaos in Baku saw six red flags during the qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Max Verstappen secured pole position with an impressive performance, while Lando Norris struggled, qualifying seventh.

Verstappen excelled in the wet conditions, sticking his Red Bull to the track. Meanwhile, Norris missed the opportunity to qualify higher, with Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson taking second and third positions, respectively.

Norris had a chance to improve his position after his teammate Piastri crashed, but he couldn't capitalize. Piastri will start ninth, while Charles Leclerc will start from 10th after crashing his Ferrari.

Rain intensified during the session, causing delays. Sainz joked about doing a rain dance as only three drivers had set a time before the session was halted.

Despite trailing by 31 points in the championship, Norris remained optimistic, stating he had given his best effort. Lewis Hamilton faced disappointment, being eliminated in Q2 and qualifying 12th, behind his teammate Leclerc.

George Russell was the highest-placed Brit, qualifying fifth for Mercedes despite battling a fever. The session saw multiple red flags, including one caused by Nico Hulkenberg losing control of his Sauber.

Flavio Briatore, now with Alpine, witnessed both his drivers exit in Q2. The session also saw young driver Ollie Bearman brushing the wall, causing another red flag. Bearman, at 20 years old, showed promise despite his mistake.