2023-04-28 13:30:09
Time for serious things this Friday in Azerbaijan, the scene of the fourth round of the F1 season. As sprint racing returns this weekend, the FIA has decided to changer son format. Result ? Qualifying for Sunday’s race took place this Friday followingnoon, a few hours following the only free practice session contested in the streets of Baku.
And it’s Charles Leclerc who will rush in front of everyone. The Ferrari driver signs his first pole of the year ahead of the Red Bulls of Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez. The other red racing car Carlos Sainz et Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) complete the top 5. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) ranks sixth.
Q1 is quickly interrupted following a red flag caused by an exit from the track of the AlphaTauri of Nick deVries. A second red flag comes in stride following an error of Pierre Gasly (Alpine). Kevin Magnussenvictim of an engine problem with his Haas, his teammate Nico Hulkenberg and the Alfa Romeo Guanyu Zhou are the last eliminated in Q1.
No incident… but a surprise to report in Q2. If the two Williams, the Alfa Romeo of Valtteri Bottas and the AlpineEsteban Ocon won’t see Q3, George Russell (Mercedes) is the unfortunate of this second event and will have to start eleventh this Sunday.
During the first lap of Q3, Verstappen and Leclerc set the same time before the Monegasque achieved a perfect last lap to secure the 19th pole of his career.
Continuation of the festivities this Saturday from 10:30 a.m. with a short qualifying session for the sprint race scheduled for 3:30 p.m. As for the Grand Prix, it will take place at 1 p.m. this Sunday.
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