Max Verstappen Claims Pole Amid Azerbaijan Grand Prix Chaos

BAKU, Azerbaijan — Max Verstappen secured his 46th pole position in a dramatic qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday. The session was marked by chaotic crashes, intermittent rain, and a record number of red flags.

Despite the mayhem around him, Verstappen remained focused and captured pole for the sixth time in 2025. His calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the bedlam that ensued behind him, where several drivers met the barriers, altering the starting grid significantly.

A notable story from the session was Williams Racing, as driver Alex Albon qualified on the front row for the first time wearing their colors, securing second place. Liam Lawson followed closely behind, capturing third on the grid.

Lando Norris, in contrast, struggled to find pace and will start from seventh. However, he expressed relief at being positioned ahead of his championship rival, setting the stage for an intriguing race strategy.

Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc, who will also compete from mid-grid positions, are expected to explore various pit stop and tire strategies during the race. This multifaceted approach could prove essential in navigating the potential pitfalls of the Baku circuit.

As teams prepare for the race, the combination of track conditions and strategic options presents a fascinating challenge ahead.