2025 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Full Starting Grid Revealed

Max Verstappen has secured pole position for the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit, delivering a stellar final lap in a challenging qualifying session. The four-time world champion skillfully navigated difficult conditions, capitalizing on the struggles of his rivals, including both McLaren and Ferrari drivers.

Why it matters:

This grid sets the stage for a potentially thrilling Azerbaijan Grand Prix, known for its unpredictable races and dramatic overtakes. Verstappen's pole position, combined with surprising starts from Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson, promises an exciting battle as established frontrunners like McLaren and Ferrari face an uphill climb from the midfield.

The Details:

• Verstappen Dominance: Max Verstappen's masterful final lap secured pole for Red Bull, showcasing his exceptional skill in adverse conditions.
• Shocking Front Row: Williams' Carlos Sainz will start a surprising second, marking a significant achievement for the team. Racing Bull's Liam Lawson also impressed, securing third on the grid.
• Mercedes' Strong Showing: Kimi Antonelli starts fourth, just ahead of teammate George Russell in fifth, placing both Mercedes cars in strong contention.
• McLaren's Mixed Fortunes: Lando Norris managed seventh as the top McLaren, while Oscar Piastri will start ninth after crashing out during Q3.
• Ferrari's Struggles: Charles Leclerc starts tenth after also crashing in Q3, placing him behind Norris and ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who begins 12th.
• Esteban Ocon Disqualified: Esteban Ocon will start at the very back of the grid due to a disqualification from qualifying.

The Big Picture:

The Baku City Circuit is notorious for high-speed sections and tight turns, often leading to unexpected outcomes and safety car deployments. This unique layout, combined with the surprising qualifying results, could lead to a highly strategic race where tire management and capitalizing on opportunities will be paramount. The mixed grid ensures that traditional contenders will have to fight through traffic, creating opportunities for those starting further up.

What's next:

The 2025 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set for an action-packed race, with many drivers looking to make up ground. The early laps will be crucial for those starting in the midfield, while Verstappen will aim to convert his pole into a dominant win. Keep an eye on strategy calls, potential incidents, and the performance of the surprising front-runners as the race unfolds.