Max Verstappen mastered the chaos in Baku to take pole position for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as a red-flag-heavy qualifying session threw the grid into disarray. The 17th round of the F1 World Championship saw no fewer than five red flags, with late crashes severely limiting opportunities for final flying laps.

With Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri both crashing in the final sector during Q3, many top contenders were left with just one real shot at a clean lap. Verstappen made his count, delivering under pressure to put his Red Bull Racing car on pole.

The disrupted session opened the door for surprise performances. Carlos Sainz, driving for Williams in a standout showing, secured P2 on the grid — his best qualifying result of the season. Just behind him, Liam Lawson impressed once again, placing his Racing Bulls car in third position.

Qualifying Results – Azerbaijan GP:
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
3. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
4. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)
7. Lando Norris (McLaren)
8. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
9. Oscar Piastri (Mercedes)
10. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)