What the press is reportingMotorsport
Russell claims Baku pole as Verstappen and Antonelli face challenges
George Russell secures pole at Azerbaijan GP; Verstappen criticises Red Bull's qualifying and Antonelli crashes in qualifying.
Automated analysis by Golatooo
Key facts
- Sport
- Motorsport
- Date
- Friday, 25 September 2026
- Source
- Formula 1, Motorsport.com, MARCA, L'Équipe, Sky Sports, Le Figaro, franceinfo
Russell shines with pole position in Baku
According to Sky Sports, George Russell secured pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with the report highlighting that Kimi Antonelli crashed during qualifying. Le Figaro also confirms Russell's pole, while franceinfo notes he will start ahead of Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri. L'Équipe quotes Russell describing his lap as perfect, showcasing his satisfaction with his performance in Baku.
Red Bull and Verstappen express qualifying frustrations
Formula 1 reports Max Verstappen's critique of Red Bull's qualifying performance, calling it 'not good enough'. Le Figaro adds that Verstappen dominated the third free practice session in Azerbaijan, suggesting a strong race pace despite qualifying woes. Meanwhile, Formula 1 relays Charles Leclerc's regret over mixed qualifying results, labelling Lewis Hamilton as a 'sitting duck' in Baku, highlighting some tense competition among the front runners.
Antonelli's crash and Alpine drivers' mixed fortunes
Le Figaro reports that Kimi Antonelli hit the wall in qualifying and will start well down the grid. MARCA cites Antonelli admitting a miscalculation led to his trouble. On a more positive note, Formula 1 notes Pierre Gasly's confidence after Alpine's gains and double Q3 appearances in Baku. L'Équipe features Isack Hadjar's impressive fourth place in qualifying on his return, with Hadjar telling Motorsport.com that he might have achieved second on the grid had he not missed three races.
Sources
- Formula 1 Gasly buoyed by Alpine gains after Baku double Q3 appearance opens the publisher’s website
- MARCA Antonelli, en un atolladero: "Fue un error de cálculo" opens the publisher’s website
- Formula 1 Red Bull's Qualifying issues 'not good enough' – Verstappen opens the publisher’s website
- Formula 1 Leclerc rues mixed P2 as Hamilton a 'sitting duck' in Baku opens the publisher’s website
- L'Équipe Isack Hadjar, 4e des qualifications du Grand Prix d'Azerbaïdjan pour son retour : « J'y suis allé gentiment et ça a payé » opens the publisher’s website
- Motorsport.com Isack Hadjar bullish: If I hadn't missed three races, I'd be second on the grid opens the publisher’s website
- L'Équipe « J'ai réussi le tour parfait » : George Russell satisfait de sa performance après sa pole obtenue à Bakou opens the publisher’s website
- Sky Sports Russell claims Azerbaijan GP pole as Antonelli crashes opens the publisher’s website
- Le Figaro Formule 1 : Russell s’offre la pole du Grand Prix d'Azerbaïdjan opens the publisher’s website
- franceinfo George Russell s'élancera en pole position du Grand Prix d'Azerbaïdjan devant Charles Leclerc et Oscar Piastri opens the publisher’s website
- Le Figaro Formule 1 : Antonelli heurte le mur en qualifications et partira loin sur la grille opens the publisher’s website
- Le Figaro Formule 1 : Max Verstappen domine les essais libres 3 en Azerbaïdjan opens the publisher’s website
Summary of what publishers reported; see the linked sources.
More analysis
- What the press is reportingMotorsport
Azerbaijan GP: Russell on pole, Sainz penalised, and Antonelli's qualifying woes
George Russell claims pole for Azerbaijan GP as Carlos Sainz receives a grid penalty and Antonelli admits to a costly qualifying error.
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