Max Verstappen Seals Pole in Record Six-Red-Flag Qualifying
Max Verstappen claimed pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025 after an unforgettable qualifying session in Baku. The Red Bull driver delivered a stunning final lap of 1:41.117 to edge Williams’ Carlos Sainz by nearly half a second.
The session was one of the most dramatic in F1 history, featuring six crashes and a record number of red flags, making it the longest and most chaotic qualifying of the season.
POLE IN MONZA, POLE IN BAKU!
Max, that is unreal 🙌#F1 || #AzerbaijanGP 🇦🇿 pic.twitter.com/QzoweRa9H0
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) September 20, 2025
Six Drivers Crash in Baku Mayhem
The challenging Baku City Circuit once again lived up to its reputation, catching out even the best drivers. Among those who hit the walls:
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Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – crashed in Q3 at Turn 3, ending his session without setting a lap and starting ninth.
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Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – hit the barriers at Turn 15 in Q3, leaving him 10th.
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Alex Albon (Williams) – caused the first red flag in Q1 after striking the wall at Turn 1.
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Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) – damaged his car in Q1.
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Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – crashed heavily in Q1.
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Oliver Bearman (Haas) – clipped the barriers at Turn 2 in Q2.
In total, the session lasted over two hours.
McLaren Duo Struggle Under Pressure
Championship leader Oscar Piastri had the biggest setback, crashing out of Q3 and leaving himself with work to do in Sunday’s race. His teammate Lando Norris, who looked quick early on, could only manage P7 after brushing the wall on his final attempt.
With just 31 points separating Piastri and Norris in the title fight, McLaren face a challenging recovery in Sunday’s 51-lap Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Ferrari Promise Fades with Hamilton and Leclerc Out of Position
Ferrari entered the weekend showing promise, but qualifying unraveled. Leclerc’s crash meant he will start P10, while Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in Q2 and will line up 12th.
Hamilton, still searching for his first podium with Ferrari, admitted windy conditions and tyre warm-up issues made it difficult to get a clean lap together.
Surprise Performers: Sainz, Lawson and Antonelli Shine
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Carlos Sainz (Williams) – delivered his best qualifying of the season, taking second on the grid and showing his class despite a difficult year.
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Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – secured a career-best third place, strengthening his case for a future Red Bull seat.
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Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – impressed with P4, ahead of teammate George Russell in P5.
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Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – scored his best result as a Red Bull driver in sixth.
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Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – split the McLarens in eighth, another standout result for the rookie.
Azerbaijan GP 2025 – Qualifying Top 10
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Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 1:41.117
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Carlos Sainz (Williams) +0.478s
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Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +0.590s
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Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.600s
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George Russell (Mercedes) +0.953s
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Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) +1.026s
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Lando Norris (McLaren) +1.122s
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Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) +1.255s
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Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – No time
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Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – No time
Max Verstappen’s Reaction: “You Just Have to Send It”
Speaking after securing pole, Max Verstappen admitted the chaotic session tested his composure:
“Long qualifying with so many red flags, so it was very difficult to get your lap together. In the final lap, you just have to send it. I wasn’t even on the best tyres, but it worked.”
With Max Verstappen sitting 94 points behind Piastri in the championship, Sunday’s race offers the Dutchman a golden chance to close the gap.
Read More: Azerbaijan GP 2025: Lewis Hamilton Tops Ferrari 1-2 – Sportskila
What to Expect on Race Day
The grid is set for a thrilling showdown:
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Max Verstappen starts from pole with Sainz alongside him in a Williams fairy-tale front row.
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Rising star Lawson aims to convert his P3 into a career-best finish.
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McLaren’s title fight duo, Norris (7th) and Piastri (9th), face a fightback.
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Ferrari must regroup after a difficult day.
With six crashes already in qualifying, fans can expect another action-packed afternoon when the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025 goes green
