For the second Formula 1 weekend in a row, Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari took pole position. The Scuderia has recently managed to find additional equipment that bodes well not only for the Italian team, but also for F1 as a whole in terms of entertainment. However, this sudden resurgence took everyone by surprise. Nobody expected Ferrari to make such a big leap in such a short time; even the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is amazed.
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After qualifying in Baku, the Mercedes man said: “This is a fantastic step that you have made. I don’t quite understand. I think they’ve had a good car for a while and just had a drop in performance. I assume they made a really good step with their engines because they are now up there with everyone else.
Formula 1 F1. Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in action during training REUTERS / Maxim Shemetov
“I think they already had a good car. It was only the straights that they lost. But that’s where they master those tires, every single lap, so it’s great to see three teams – three, four teams – at the top. “
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Apart from Leclerc’s pole position, his team-mate Carlos Sainz also showed a solid performance. He was hot on the heels of the Monegasque in the three training sessions, but couldn’t quite keep up in Q3. Nevertheless, he drove a great lap to secure the P5 starting position for the race.
But not only the Ferraris caught the eye.
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In addition to Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari, the AlphaTauri team also managed to present itself. Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda both showed epic performances on a dramatic qualifying day. The duo will start the race on P4 and P7 respectively.
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Formula 1 F1. Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan. Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes in action during training REUTERS / Maxim Shemetov
Hamilton was happy to see how close the competition is this season. He said: “It’s great to see the Renaults” [sic, Alpines]”It’s great to see the McLarens in the mix and even the AlphaTauris – it’s turning into one of the most exciting seasons we’ve ever seen.”
The race in Baku is sure to be an exciting event. Who do you think will be the winner of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix? Let us know in the comments below.
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