Verstappen steals pole from Sainz in chaotic Azerbaijan GP Qualifying

Max Verstappen mastered a chaotic, rain-affected and red-flag-heavy Qualifying session to take pole position for the 2025 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. The Red Bull driver delivered a stunning 1:41.117 in the final minutes of Q3, beating Williams’ Carlos Sainz by nearly half a second, with Liam Lawson producing a career-best third for Racing Bulls.

This was no ordinary Saturday in Baku — the session was the longest and most disrupted of the season so far, with six separate red flags and a constantly evolving track surface that caught out some of the sport’s biggest names.

A Record-Breaking Qualifying for All the Wrong Reasons

The drama began in Q1, where Alex Albon, Nico Hülkenberg and Franco Colapinto all found the barriers, joining Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly in an early exit. The interruptions meant many drivers had to abandon laps, with tyre strategy thrown into disarray from the outset.

Q2 was no calmer. Ollie Bearman clipped the wall at Turn 2, breaking his suspension and triggering another stoppage. The shock came when Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso both failed to make the cut, along with Gabriel Bortoleto and Lance Stroll. Hamilton, who had topped FP2, was left ruing a mistimed final run.

Q3: Rain, Red Flags and High Stakes

The final segment was pure Baku chaos. Charles Leclerc — chasing a fifth consecutive pole at this circuit — crashed at Turn 15, moments before light rain began to fall. Then, in a potentially pivotal championship moment, Oscar Piastri hit the wall at Turn 3, ending his session and leaving him ninth on the grid.

With just minutes remaining, the track dried enough for one final shootout. Verstappen, on fresh softs, “sent it” and delivered a lap that no one could match. Sainz, on mediums, held on for a sensational front-row start for Williams, while Lawson’s third place was a statement performance under pressure.

Top 10 Qualifying Results

Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing – 1:41.117
Carlos Sainz – Williams – +0.478s
Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls – +0.590s
Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes – +0.600s
George Russell – Mercedes – +0.953s
Yuki Tsunoda – Red Bull Racing – +1.026s
Lando Norris – McLaren – +1.122s
Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls – +1.255s
Oscar Piastri – McLaren – no time set
Charles Leclerc – Ferrari – no time set

Key Talking Points

Verstappen’s Title Statement

The Dutchman’s pole is his second in a row and comes at a crucial time in the championship fight. With Piastri starting down in ninth, Verstappen has a golden opportunity to close the points gap on Sunday.

Sainz and Williams Shine

Williams played the conditions perfectly, with Sainz delivering one of his best qualifying performances in years. The team will be dreaming of a podium — or more — if they can survive the long run to Turn 1.

Lawson’s Breakthrough

Under scrutiny for his seat, Liam Lawson responded with a career-best P3. His composure in the final minutes, combined with Racing Bulls’ straight-line speed, could make him a podium contender.

McLaren’s Missed Chance

With Piastri in the wall and Norris making a scruffy final run, McLaren squandered a chance to put both cars ahead of Verstappen. Instead, they start seventh and ninth — nose-to-tail and in the midfield danger zone.

Big Names Out of Position

Hamilton (P12) and Leclerc (P10) will have to fight through traffic, while Aston Martin’s Alonso (P11) also has work to do. The mixed-up grid promises fireworks.

What to Expect in the Race

Baku’s long straights and heavy braking zones always deliver overtaking opportunities, but the threat of more rain could turn Sunday into another strategic lottery. Tyre management will be key, with the C4–C6 compounds offering high grip but limited durability.

If Verstappen gets a clean launch, he’ll be hard to beat — but with Sainz, Lawson, and two hungry Mercedes behind, the run to Turn 1 could be decisive. And with the midfield packed tightly, expect safety cars, bold moves, and possibly more drama in the championship fight.