JUST IN: F1 AZERBAIJAN GP: LECLERC LEADS PEREZ BY 0.006S IN TIGHT FP2

The 2024 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix has been full of drama and intrigue, with Charles Leclerc of Ferrari taking pole position after an exciting qualifying session. The Baku City Circuit is notorious for its challenging layout, which runs through the heart of the capital and tests drivers with narrow streets, long straights, and tight corners. This race marks a crucial point in the 2024 season, with teams fighting for both driver and constructor standings as the season nears its climax.

Leclerc’s pole position was a welcome relief for Ferrari, as the Monegasque driver faced significant challenges earlier in the weekend. During the first practice session (FP1), Leclerc crashed his Ferrari into the wall at Turn 15, bringing out a red flag and ending his session prematurely. This was a setback for the driver, who had been a strong contender on the Baku circuit in previous years, securing multiple pole positions there.

Despite the early mishap, Leclerc bounced back in qualifying, delivering a stunning lap to secure pole, continuing his impressive form at this circuit. His ability to recover from adversity underlines the resilience he has shown throughout the 2024 season.

Max Verstappen, the current championship leader with 303 points, faced a more challenging weekend than expected. The Dutchman has been the dominant force throughout the season, but Baku has not been as kind to him this time around. While he finished fastest in FP1 with a time of 1:45.546, beating Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton by 0.313 seconds,

Verstappen struggled in qualifying and was outpaced by his Ferrari and Red Bull rivals. This qualifying result highlights the tight competition between Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull as they battle for supremacy in both the driver and constructor championships.

The biggest surprise of the weekend so far has been Lando Norris’ disappointing qualifying result. McLaren, which has shown great pace in recent races, saw Norris qualify only 17th, a significant blow to his aspirations of securing a strong finish in the race. This unexpected result has prompted concern within the McLaren camp, as they were hoping to maintain their momentum from previous strong performances. With Norris currently sitting second in the driver standings with 241 points, the poor qualifying could jeopardize his challenge to Verstappen for the title.

Adding to the weekend’s drama, multiple incidents during practice and qualifying sessions brought out red flags and disrupted the flow of the weekend. Franco Colapinto, driving for Williams in only his second Formula 1 outing, crashed at Turn 4, bringing out one of the session’s many red flags.

The session was also marred by issues for several teams, including Alpine, with Esteban Ocon failing to set a lap time in FP1 due to a power loss.

Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez also had to fight hard to stay in the mix, eventually qualifying behind his teammate Verstappen.

As race day approaches, there is much anticipation regarding how the grid will play out on the streets of Baku. Red Bull, despite a challenging start to the weekend, remains in a strong position with both Verstappen and Pérez expected to push for podium finishes. Ferrari’s Leclerc will be eager to convert his pole position into a race win, while McLaren’s Norris will face the uphill task of fighting through the field after a disappointing Saturday.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is always unpredictable, and with street circuits known for their high risk of crashes and safety cars, anything can happen. The tight competition between Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren, combined with the unique characteristics of the Baku circuit, sets the stage for an exciting race. As the Formula 1 season heads towards its final stretch, every point will be crucial for the championship standings, making the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix a pivotal race in the championship narrative.