The FIA technical inspection after qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix found that Esteban Ocon's car did not comply with the technical regulations. The Haas rear wing deflected more than the permitted 0.5 millimetres during a load test, which breaches Article 3.15.17 of the Technical Regulations. Technical Delegate Joe Bauer reported the breach to the stewards, who must decide on the penalties. In this case it concerns the exclusion of Esteban Ocon from the qualifying classification.
Bortoleto: I hope we can compete for points.
Gabriel Bortolotto once again outqualified Nico Hülkenberg, his Sauber teammate, but in Baku he also failed to make the final session. Still, on Sunday both drivers expect to make up ground.
Jonathan Wheatley, team principal: "It was a chaotic qualifying, affected by the wind, and it was stopped six times by red flags, which is unprecedented. One of those incidents involved Nico.
In any case, it was difficult for both drivers to put together a proper lap, and in the end we'll be starting the race from 13th and 17th. Clearly you'd like to forget results like that as soon as possible, but it's great that in Formula 1 every race offers the opportunity to move forward. So this evening we'll try to reset and will focus all our attention on preparing for tomorrow's Grand Prix."
Nico Hülkenberg (17th): "The outcome of the session was disappointing, there's no doubt about that.
Gabriel Bortolotto once again outqualified Nico Hülkenberg, his Sauber teammate, but in Baku he also failed to make the final session. Still, on Sunday both drivers expect to make up ground.
Jonathan Wheatley, team principal: "It was a chaotic qualifying, affected by the wind, and it was stopped six times by red flags, which is unprecedented. One of those incidents involved Nico.
In any case, it was difficult for both drivers to put together a proper lap, and in the end we'll be starting the race from 13th and 17th. Clearly you'd like to forget results like that as soon as possible, but it's great that in Formula 1 every race offers the opportunity to move forward. So this evening we'll try to reset and will focus all our attention on preparing for tomorrow's Grand Prix."
Nico Hülkenberg (17th): "The outcome of the session was disappointing, there's no doubt about that.
Toto Wolff: Kimi and George have good chances in the race.
In qualifying in Baku Kimi Antonelli beat George Russell — the team are pleased with his performance…
Toto Wolff, team principal: "A tough qualifying that left us a little disappointed with the result. Some of our closest rivals dropped out of contention, and we didn't take full advantage of that.
We decided to fit the drivers with different tyres in the final session, but in the end neither of them felt they got the maximum out of them. It's frustrating, but 4th and 5th give Kimi and George good chances to fight for a strong result in the race.
Points are awarded on Sunday, so let's not get ahead of ourselves, but it's nice to see how Kimi is performing this weekend. He drove a clean session and, where others were struggling, kept his cool. George, meanwhile, has been battling illness but has continued to put in strong performances.
In qualifying in Baku Kimi Antonelli beat George Russell — the team are pleased with his performance…
Toto Wolff, team principal: "A tough qualifying that left us a little disappointed with the result. Some of our closest rivals dropped out of contention, and we didn't take full advantage of that.
We decided to fit the drivers with different tyres in the final session, but in the end neither of them felt they got the maximum out of them. It's frustrating, but 4th and 5th give Kimi and George good chances to fight for a strong result in the race.
Points are awarded on Sunday, so let's not get ahead of ourselves, but it's nice to see how Kimi is performing this weekend. He drove a clean session and, where others were struggling, kept his cool. George, meanwhile, has been battling illness but has continued to put in strong performances.
Mario Isola: We haven't seen this yet in the current season!
During practice sessions teams were actively saving tyres for qualifying, but it was interrupted a record six times by red flags, which no one could have foreseen...
Mario Isola, Pirelli's head of motorsport: "A very unusual qualifying session, both in terms of duration and tyre usage.
We knew that in terms of pace the difference between the C5 and C6 compounds would be small, varying from car to car and even driver to driver, but the drop in temperature over the course of such a long session led to an even further reduction in the gap. In the end, the choice between the two compounds was more subjective. It seemed that today the Soft compound was more effective, contrary to yesterday.
The fastest strategy option for Sunday's race will be a one‑stop using Medium and Hard tyres, if there are no red flags.
During practice sessions teams were actively saving tyres for qualifying, but it was interrupted a record six times by red flags, which no one could have foreseen...
Mario Isola, Pirelli's head of motorsport: "A very unusual qualifying session, both in terms of duration and tyre usage.
We knew that in terms of pace the difference between the C5 and C6 compounds would be small, varying from car to car and even driver to driver, but the drop in temperature over the course of such a long session led to an even further reduction in the gap. In the end, the choice between the two compounds was more subjective. It seemed that today the Soft compound was more effective, contrary to yesterday.
The fastest strategy option for Sunday's race will be a one‑stop using Medium and Hard tyres, if there are no red flags.
The stewards of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix disqualified Esteban Ocon, removing him from the qualifying classification, for his car's non-compliance with the technical regulations. An inspection after qualifying found that the rear wing flap on the Haas VF-25 flexed by 0.6 millimetres on the left and by 0.825 millimetres on the right, while the regulations allow a maximum deflection of 0.5 millimetres. Haas acknowledged the infringement, attributing it to manufacturing problems with the specific component. Esteban Ocon will be able to start the race with a new rear wing.
Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly apologized to the team.
Alpine's qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ended in the first session. In the decisive run Pierre Gasly made a mistake and ran into the run-off area at turn four, and Franco Colapinto, who was following, crashed his car at the same turn. After the session both drivers apologized to the team for the mistakes they made.
Franco Colapinto (16th): "Compared to Friday we made a few steps forward, and today the car was much better to drive. My first fast lap in qualifying on Soft tyres was good, and I was fighting to make it through to the second part.
At the start of the decisive lap I was on target, but because of a strong gust of wind at turn four I completely lost control of the rear of the car and hit the outside wall.
Alpine's qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ended in the first session. In the decisive run Pierre Gasly made a mistake and ran into the run-off area at turn four, and Franco Colapinto, who was following, crashed his car at the same turn. After the session both drivers apologized to the team for the mistakes they made.
Franco Colapinto (16th): "Compared to Friday we made a few steps forward, and today the car was much better to drive. My first fast lap in qualifying on Soft tyres was good, and I was fighting to make it through to the second part.
At the start of the decisive lap I was on target, but because of a strong gust of wind at turn four I completely lost control of the rear of the car and hit the outside wall.
Helmut Marko: Our race strategy has already been ruined.
Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko is pleased with the results of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying, in which all four Red Bull drivers advanced to the final. The 82-year-old Austrian admitted, however, that he had to get quite nervous during the session.
"There were too many interruptions in qualifying, yellow and red flags," Helmut Marko told German Sky Sport. "Then it started to drizzle, then not a drop at all. I had to get nervous during qualifying.
Our race strategy is already ruined, because we had to use more tires than planned. The constant stops meant that we had to change tires again and again.
We already proved on Friday that we can show the same pace over a long run of laps as the leaders. Besides, the run from the start to the first corner is short here, so we're not worried that Max will lose the leading position.
Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko is pleased with the results of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying, in which all four Red Bull drivers advanced to the final. The 82-year-old Austrian admitted, however, that he had to get quite nervous during the session.
"There were too many interruptions in qualifying, yellow and red flags," Helmut Marko told German Sky Sport. "Then it started to drizzle, then not a drop at all. I had to get nervous during qualifying.
Our race strategy is already ruined, because we had to use more tires than planned. The constant stops meant that we had to change tires again and again.
We already proved on Friday that we can show the same pace over a long run of laps as the leaders. Besides, the run from the start to the first corner is short here, so we're not worried that Max will lose the leading position.
Vaulz: This qualification cost me three years of my life!
The last time a Williams driver started from the front row was more than four years ago — back in August 2021, when George Russell began the Belgian Grand Prix from second. But whereas that race in Spa unfolded in a strange way, today in Baku we witnessed a rather unusual qualifying.
Once again, various circumstances intervened that helped Carlos Sainz post the second-fastest time on the challenging street circuit in the Azerbaijani capital.
“It's hard to say whether it rained today or not, but judging by the footage from the many cameras around the circuit, it was drizzling,” commented James Vowles, head of Williams Racing, on Carlos’s achievement. “But what really pleased me was how our team worked over the previous ten days.
The last time a Williams driver started from the front row was more than four years ago — back in August 2021, when George Russell began the Belgian Grand Prix from second. But whereas that race in Spa unfolded in a strange way, today in Baku we witnessed a rather unusual qualifying.
Once again, various circumstances intervened that helped Carlos Sainz post the second-fastest time on the challenging street circuit in the Azerbaijani capital.
“It's hard to say whether it rained today or not, but judging by the footage from the many cameras around the circuit, it was drizzling,” commented James Vowles, head of Williams Racing, on Carlos’s achievement. “But what really pleased me was how our team worked over the previous ten days.
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"Predominantly dry and a fantastic technical circuit"
21 September 2025 - 07:05
Williams team principal James Vowles spent the weekend driving a GT3 car, stepping away from his regular engineering and leadership roles. Vowles participated in a two-day test in Spain at the Circuito de Navarra, piloting a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo with Garage59. He described the experience as a "fantastic two days." "Predominantly dry and a fantastic technical circuit," Vowles remarked. "It was wonderful to reunite with a team that I have a strong connection with." Initially, he felt "rusty" after being out of the driver's seat for "a few years." "But I'm very pleased with our progress after two days of testing," he added. Vowles’ most significant driving experiences include the 2022 Asian Le Mans Series, along with earlier roles in GT3 and GT4 programs. Reflecting on his return to driving in Spain, he stated, "I had to set aside most of my engineering mindset and concentrate on driving—and I enjoyed every moment."
21 September 2025 - 07:05
Williams team principal James Vowles spent the weekend driving a GT3 car, stepping away from his regular engineering and leadership roles. Vowles participated in a two-day test in Spain at the Circuito de Navarra, piloting a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo with Garage59. He described the experience as a "fantastic two days." "Predominantly dry and a fantastic technical circuit," Vowles remarked. "It was wonderful to reunite with a team that I have a strong connection with." Initially, he felt "rusty" after being out of the driver's seat for "a few years." "But I'm very pleased with our progress after two days of testing," he added. Vowles’ most significant driving experiences include the 2022 Asian Le Mans Series, along with earlier roles in GT3 and GT4 programs. Reflecting on his return to driving in Spain, he stated, "I had to set aside most of my engineering mindset and concentrate on driving—and I enjoyed every moment."
Sainz: this is the position I deserve, and it’s where the team ought to be.
He dismisses Mercedes speculation following Baku P2
21 September 2025 - 07:50
Carlos Sainz asserts that discussions about a transfer to Mercedes are merely "just rumours," despite his impressive P2 finish in Baku qualifying fueling new conjecture about his future. The Spanish driver, who was let go by Ferrari for 2025, has had a challenging first season at Williams. However, on Saturday, he took advantage of a tumultuous session filled with red flags to secure a spot alongside Max Verstappen on the front row.
"I’ve already found myself on the front row many times, so perhaps that’s why I’m feeling less excitement than I should," he shared with Canal Plus. "I believe this is where I deserve to be and where the team ought to be.
He dismisses Mercedes speculation following Baku P2
21 September 2025 - 07:50
Carlos Sainz asserts that discussions about a transfer to Mercedes are merely "just rumours," despite his impressive P2 finish in Baku qualifying fueling new conjecture about his future. The Spanish driver, who was let go by Ferrari for 2025, has had a challenging first season at Williams. However, on Saturday, he took advantage of a tumultuous session filled with red flags to secure a spot alongside Max Verstappen on the front row.
"I’ve already found myself on the front row many times, so perhaps that’s why I’m feeling less excitement than I should," he shared with Canal Plus. "I believe this is where I deserve to be and where the team ought to be.
Briatore closes the door on Tsunoda at Alpine.
"I don’t see any other possibility," Flavio Briatore stated, effectively closing the door on Yuki Tsunoda and other external candidates for Alpine’s second seat in 2026. The Italian mentioned that the decision now lies between current driver Colapinto and reserve driver Paul Aron.
"It’s between Franco and Paul. Paul is a really nice guy and a very quick driver. I need to determine what is best for the team, you know?" Briatore emphasized.
Tsunoda's chances of reviving his Formula 1 career away from Red Bull seem to be fading, as Briatore clearly expressed that he is "not interested in anyone" else. "In the past, I was overwhelmed because I managed 50 percent of the drivers on the grid. Now, I don’t manage anyone. I don’t care. I'm not interested," the 75-year-old remarked.
"My sole focus is to find the best available driver and to ensure we do the best job possible.
"I don’t see any other possibility," Flavio Briatore stated, effectively closing the door on Yuki Tsunoda and other external candidates for Alpine’s second seat in 2026. The Italian mentioned that the decision now lies between current driver Colapinto and reserve driver Paul Aron.
"It’s between Franco and Paul. Paul is a really nice guy and a very quick driver. I need to determine what is best for the team, you know?" Briatore emphasized.
Tsunoda's chances of reviving his Formula 1 career away from Red Bull seem to be fading, as Briatore clearly expressed that he is "not interested in anyone" else. "In the past, I was overwhelmed because I managed 50 percent of the drivers on the grid. Now, I don’t manage anyone. I don’t care. I'm not interested," the 75-year-old remarked.
"My sole focus is to find the best available driver and to ensure we do the best job possible.
Villars defends his FIA candidacy against allegations of being a 'PR stunt'.
"I’m up against a strong program"
21 September 2025 - 09:16
Laura Villars has responded to claims that her candidacy for the FIA presidency is merely a publicity stunt. The 28-year-old Swiss racer, who announced her candidacy earlier this month, told Bild newspaper she has been planning this move for several months.
"I believe now is the right moment for women to be courageous and break through barriers," she stated. "I thrive on competition, and when I commit to something, I see it all the way through."
When questioned about rumors that her campaign was aimed at enhancing her glamorous Instagram presence, Villars reacted sharply. "Do these individuals have similar doubts about my rivals? No. I prefer not to elaborate further.
"I’m up against a strong program"
21 September 2025 - 09:16
Laura Villars has responded to claims that her candidacy for the FIA presidency is merely a publicity stunt. The 28-year-old Swiss racer, who announced her candidacy earlier this month, told Bild newspaper she has been planning this move for several months.
"I believe now is the right moment for women to be courageous and break through barriers," she stated. "I thrive on competition, and when I commit to something, I see it all the way through."
When questioned about rumors that her campaign was aimed at enhancing her glamorous Instagram presence, Villars reacted sharply. "Do these individuals have similar doubts about my rivals? No. I prefer not to elaborate further.
Dark 'tunnel' now coming to a close for Red Bull - Verstappen
"Many discussions are taking place regarding how we can implement adjustments."
21 September 2025 - 09:59
Max Verstappen states that Red Bull’s momentum is definitely on the rise after achieving consecutive poles at Monza and Baku. "We gained a lot of insights in Monza, and we are carrying that knowledge forward," the four-time world champion shared with Dutch reporters following qualifying. "The car is noticeably more stable, allowing for more confident cornering. You’re able to fine-tune the setup more effectively throughout the weekend, giving you much better reference points come qualifying."
Verstappen noted that the RB21’s low-downforce configuration shows promise, but he cautioned that the next tests will be at tracks like Singapore. "Here, we’re still running with very little downforce.
"Many discussions are taking place regarding how we can implement adjustments."
21 September 2025 - 09:59
Max Verstappen states that Red Bull’s momentum is definitely on the rise after achieving consecutive poles at Monza and Baku. "We gained a lot of insights in Monza, and we are carrying that knowledge forward," the four-time world champion shared with Dutch reporters following qualifying. "The car is noticeably more stable, allowing for more confident cornering. You’re able to fine-tune the setup more effectively throughout the weekend, giving you much better reference points come qualifying."
Verstappen noted that the RB21’s low-downforce configuration shows promise, but he cautioned that the next tests will be at tracks like Singapore. "Here, we’re still running with very little downforce.
Stella maintains that Verstappen remains in the championship race.
"Maybe they're configuring their car a bit differently."
21 September 2025 - 10:40
Andrea Stella asserts that Max Verstappen cannot yet be dismissed from the 2025 world championship battle, even as McLaren nears securing the constructors' title.
The Woking-based team could potentially clinch the teams' championship as soon as Sunday in Baku, but team principal Stella informed De Telegraaf that Verstappen's recent performance—with a pole and victory at Monza, along with another pole on Saturday—indicates the drivers' contest is still alive.
"Do I still see Verstappen as a contender? Absolutely," he stated emphatically. "Make sure to emphasize that."
"We have already agreed internally that Red Bull's win at Monza two weeks ago shouldn't be seen as an anomaly.
"Maybe they're configuring their car a bit differently."
21 September 2025 - 10:40
Andrea Stella asserts that Max Verstappen cannot yet be dismissed from the 2025 world championship battle, even as McLaren nears securing the constructors' title.
The Woking-based team could potentially clinch the teams' championship as soon as Sunday in Baku, but team principal Stella informed De Telegraaf that Verstappen's recent performance—with a pole and victory at Monza, along with another pole on Saturday—indicates the drivers' contest is still alive.
"Do I still see Verstappen as a contender? Absolutely," he stated emphatically. "Make sure to emphasize that."
"We have already agreed internally that Red Bull's win at Monza two weeks ago shouldn't be seen as an anomaly.
Verstappen criticizes Pirelli's tyre selection for Baku.
"That tyre didn’t perform well anywhere"
21 September 2025 - 11:59
Max Verstappen has criticized Pirelli’s selection of the C6 soft tyre for Baku, claiming the compound is "slower from the start of the lap" and "just a subpar tyre."
"The soft tyre is slower from the beginning of the lap," the four-time world champion remarked after achieving pole position on Saturday.
"It’s simply not a good tyre. I would like to speak to Pirelli at some point so they can leave that one at home."
The Red Bull driver emphasized that this isn't just a problem at Baku - the softest compound also struggled in Monaco, Imola, and Montreal - street circuits and low-wear tracks where it should perform well.
"That tyre didn’t perform well anywhere," he stated, "so it’s best if it stays at home.
"That tyre didn’t perform well anywhere"
21 September 2025 - 11:59
Max Verstappen has criticized Pirelli’s selection of the C6 soft tyre for Baku, claiming the compound is "slower from the start of the lap" and "just a subpar tyre."
"The soft tyre is slower from the beginning of the lap," the four-time world champion remarked after achieving pole position on Saturday.
"It’s simply not a good tyre. I would like to speak to Pirelli at some point so they can leave that one at home."
The Red Bull driver emphasized that this isn't just a problem at Baku - the softest compound also struggled in Monaco, Imola, and Montreal - street circuits and low-wear tracks where it should perform well.
"That tyre didn’t perform well anywhere," he stated, "so it’s best if it stays at home.
1. Max Verstappen
Red Bull
1:41.117
2. Carlos Sainz
Williams
1:41.595
+ 0.478
3. Liam Lawson
Racing Bulls
1:41.707
+ 0.590
4. Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
1:41.717
+ 0.600
5. George Russell
Mercedes
1:42.070
+ 0.953
6. Yuki Tsunoda
Red Bull
1:42.143
+ 1.026
7. Lando Norris
McLaren
1:42.239
+ 1.122
8. Isack Hadjar
Racing Bulls
1:42.372
+ 1.255
9. Oscar Piastri
McLaren
No time
10. Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
No time
11. Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
1:41.857
12. Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
1:42.183
13. Gabriel Bortoleto
Sauber
1:42.277
14. Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
1:43.061
15. Oliver Bearman
Haas
No time
16. Franco Colapinto
Alpine
1:42.779
17. Nico Hulkenberg
Sauber
1:42.916
18. Pierre Gasly
Alpine
1:43.139
19. Alex Albon
Williams
1:43.778
20. Esteban Ocon
Haas
No time
disqualified and allowed to start
Red Bull
1:41.117
2. Carlos Sainz
Williams
1:41.595
+ 0.478
3. Liam Lawson
Racing Bulls
1:41.707
+ 0.590
4. Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
1:41.717
+ 0.600
5. George Russell
Mercedes
1:42.070
+ 0.953
6. Yuki Tsunoda
Red Bull
1:42.143
+ 1.026
7. Lando Norris
McLaren
1:42.239
+ 1.122
8. Isack Hadjar
Racing Bulls
1:42.372
+ 1.255
9. Oscar Piastri
McLaren
No time
10. Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
No time
11. Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
1:41.857
12. Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
1:42.183
13. Gabriel Bortoleto
Sauber
1:42.277
14. Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
1:43.061
15. Oliver Bearman
Haas
No time
16. Franco Colapinto
Alpine
1:42.779
17. Nico Hulkenberg
Sauber
1:42.916
18. Pierre Gasly
Alpine
1:43.139
19. Alex Albon
Williams
1:43.778
20. Esteban Ocon
Haas
No time
disqualified and allowed to start
Before the start of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Pirelli's press office published information about the tyre sets remaining for the drivers.
Driver
Team
Hard (C4)
Medium (C5)
Soft (C6)
New
Used
New
Used
New
Used
81. O. Piastri
McLaren
2
-
1
2
-
1
4. L. Norris
McLaren
2
-
1
2
-
1
16. Sh. Leclerc
Ferrari
2
-
-
3
1
-
44. L. Hamilton
Ferrari
2
-
2
-
1
2
1. M. Verstappen
Red Bull Racing
2
-
-
3
-
1
22. Yu. Tsunoda
Red Bull Racing
2
-
-
2
-
2
63. D. Russell
Mercedes
2
-
-
3
-
1
12. K. Antonelli
Mercedes
2
-
-
3
1
-
18. L. Stroll
Aston Martin
2
-
-
2
1
2
14. F. Alonso
Aston Martin
2
-
-
3
1
1
10. P. Gasly
Alpine
1
-
1
1
2
2
43. F. Colapinto
Alpine
1
-
1
1
2
2
31. E. Ocon
Haas
1
-
2
-
1
3
87. O. Berman
Haas
1
-
1
1
1
3
6. A. Hajar
Racing Bulls
-
1
-
2
-
3
30. L. Lawson
Racing Bulls
-
1
-
2
-
3
23. A. Albon
Williams
1
-
3
-
2
1
55. K. Sainz
Williams
2
-
-
2
1
1
27. N. Hulkenberg
Sauber
2
-
1
1
1
2
5. G. Bortoleto
Sauber
2
-
-
2
1
2
Driver
Team
Hard (C4)
Medium (C5)
Soft (C6)
New
Used
New
Used
New
Used
81. O. Piastri
McLaren
2
-
1
2
-
1
4. L. Norris
McLaren
2
-
1
2
-
1
16. Sh. Leclerc
Ferrari
2
-
-
3
1
-
44. L. Hamilton
Ferrari
2
-
2
-
1
2
1. M. Verstappen
Red Bull Racing
2
-
-
3
-
1
22. Yu. Tsunoda
Red Bull Racing
2
-
-
2
-
2
63. D. Russell
Mercedes
2
-
-
3
-
1
12. K. Antonelli
Mercedes
2
-
-
3
1
-
18. L. Stroll
Aston Martin
2
-
-
2
1
2
14. F. Alonso
Aston Martin
2
-
-
3
1
1
10. P. Gasly
Alpine
1
-
1
1
2
2
43. F. Colapinto
Alpine
1
-
1
1
2
2
31. E. Ocon
Haas
1
-
2
-
1
3
87. O. Berman
Haas
1
-
1
1
1
3
6. A. Hajar
Racing Bulls
-
1
-
2
-
3
30. L. Lawson
Racing Bulls
-
1
-
2
-
3
23. A. Albon
Williams
1
-
3
-
2
1
55. K. Sainz
Williams
2
-
-
2
1
1
27. N. Hulkenberg
Sauber
2
-
1
1
1
2
5. G. Bortoleto
Sauber
2
-
-
2
1
2
On Sunday morning the FIA confirmed the replacement of the survival cells on the cars of Oscar Piastri and Franco Colapinto after their crashes in qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The impacts with the barrier in both cases were so severe that McLaren and Alpine had to assemble their drivers' cars on a new chassis. Both cars have already passed technical inspection and been cleared to race. Piastri and Colapinto should retain their grid positions, as the new parts are of the same specification as the damaged ones.
Charles Leclerc will start tenth in Baku and hopes to fight back...
Charles Leclerc: "Of course I'm disappointed after that qualifying. The car is damaged, but I'm completely fine. Today several drivers are starting from positions they're not used to. For example, both McLarens on the grid are right in front of me. In theory we should be faster than the Mercedes and the other midfield cars. My goal is to make up ground as quickly as possible and move up into the top positions."
Charles Leclerc: "Of course I'm disappointed after that qualifying. The car is damaged, but I'm completely fine. Today several drivers are starting from positions they're not used to. For example, both McLarens on the grid are right in front of me. In theory we should be faster than the Mercedes and the other midfield cars. My goal is to make up ground as quickly as possible and move up into the top positions."