Lando Norris’ title hopes were dealt a huge blow after he suffered a shock elimination from the first part of qualifying as Charles Leclerc took pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for the fourth year in a row.
The British driver arrived in the Land of Fire bidding to turn up the heat on championship leader Max Verstappen, having taken 16 points out of the three-time world champion’s title lead across the last two races.
But the 24-year-old said he was caught out by yellow flags down the long final straight, backing off and unable to improve his time, meaning he will start Sunday’s race from 17th on the grid.
Verstappen, who leads the drivers’ championship by 62 points with eight races remaining, was not imperious, managing only sixth on the grid as Norris’ team-mate Oscar Piastri claimed second ahead of Carlos Sainz and the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez.
Follow live updates from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with The Independent
F1 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES
- Charles Leclerc claims pole position in Baku; Piastri 2nd; Sainz 3rd
- Click HERE for the top-10 in qualifying
- Lando Norris astonishingly knocked out in Q1, also out: Ricciardo, Bottas, Zhou, Ocon
- Ollie Bearman knocked out in Q2, also out: Tsunoda, Gasly, Hulkenberg, Stroll
- Max Verstappen has a 62-point lead to Lando Norris with eight races to go
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Charles Leclerc on pole in Baku!
14:03
Kieran Jackson
Leclerc goes quicker and takes pole by three-tenths!
Oscar Piastri nips in to get P2 for McLaren, with Carlos Sainz in third.
Max Verstappen all the way down in sixth!
4-10: Perez, Russell, Verstappen, Hamilton, Alonso, Colapinto, Albon
Leclerc: “Let’s gooooo! Yes, nice. Good job boys.”
That’s four pole positions in a row in Baku for Leclerc...
Lando Norris not expecting ‘magical’ Azerbaijan GP result after dismal qualifying
16:34
Kieran Jackson
Lando Norris does not expect a “magical” Azerbaijan Grand Prix result after the McLaren driver qualified 17th in a major blow to his title hopes.
The 24-year-old was caught out by yellow flags down the long final straight, backing off and being unable to improve his time, meaning he was knocked out of Q1.
Norris arrived in the Land of Fire bidding to turn up the heat on championship leader Max Verstappen, having taken 16 points out of the three-time world champion’s title lead across the last two races.
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Lewis Hamilton not happy after qualifying today
16:11
Kieran Jackson
“Same Saturday as always. Same thing as every Saturday. Yesterday the car was amazing, felt great. Could have been second row today. But today, the tyres didn’t work all day.”
"The same thing that happens every Saturday... the tyres didn't work all day"
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) September 14, 2024
An unhappy Lewis Hamilton as his qualifying woes seem to continue ️ pic.twitter.com/eNI2LRIQgk
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Max Verstappen after qualifying P6...
15:58
Kieran Jackson
“We made some changes into qualifying which made it harder to drive. We tried to find solutions throughout qualifying but in turn 16, the car became very loose in the corner.
“Ferrari are always quick around here, the last three years they took pole. Ferrari and Charles are very strong. From our side, today we didn’t optimise it. Unfortunately it went the other way.”
Lando Norris’ F1 title hopes hit in Azerbaijan after disastrous qualifying
15:42
Kieran Jackson
Qualifying report
Lando Norris’ title hopes were dealt a huge blow after he suffered a shock elimination from the first part of qualifying as Charles Leclerc took pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for the fourth year in a row.
The British driver arrived in the Land of Fire bidding to turn up the heat on championship leader Max Verstappen, having taken 16 points out of the three-time world champion’s title lead across the last two races.
But the 24-year-old said he was caught out by yellow flags down the long final straight, backing off and unable to improve his time, meaning he will start Sunday’s race from 17th on the grid.
F1 grid: Azerbaijan Grand Prix
15:25
Kieran Jackson
1. Charles Leclerc
2. Oscar Piastri
3. Carlos Sainz
4. Sergio Perez
5. George Russell
6. Max Verstappen
7. Lewis Hamilton
8. Fernando Alonso
9. Franco Colapinto
10. Alex Albon
11. Ollie Bearman
12. Yuki Tsunoda
13. Pierre Gasly
14. Nico Hulkenberg
15. Lance Stroll
16. Daniel Ricciardo
17. Lando Norris
18. Valtteri Bottas
19. Esteban Ocon
20. Zhou Guanyu*
*Zhou drops to the back of the grid after power unit changes between practice sessions
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Perez P4, Verstappen P6
15:10
Kieran Jackson
That’s the first time this season that Max Verstappen has been out-qualified by his team-mate!
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: McLaren team principal Andrea Stella on Lando Norris’ elimination
14:57
Kieran Jackson
“We will try and do our best to get back in the points. We were discussing with the FIA why a yellow flag was displayed which was extremely costly in the economy of this weekend. we will try and recover tomorrow.
“The team didn’t say it [the yellow flag] because it was last minute, it was displayed as a yellow. It isn’t necessary when there was a slow car, off-line. This time there was a situation which ideally by the regulations shouldn’t have happened.
“We pay the price, we don’t give up, we move on and we’ll do our best tomorrow to get some good points.”
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Charles Leclerc’s reaction to pole!
14:45
Kieran Jackson
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Here’s Leclerc’s pole-sealing moment...
14:36
Kieran Jackson
He loves it around here!
The moment Charles took his FOURTH Baku pole in a row ✅✅✅✅ pic.twitter.com/AWBh8KW2nn
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) September 14, 2024
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Charles Leclerc after qualifying on pole
14:29
Kieran Jackson
“It’s one of my favourite tracks of the season, I really like it. The pace was always there, in Q3 it was all about staying as close to the walls. The last lap I went for it a bit more, the car felt really good.
“It’s the best we could have hoped for. First and third is where you want to start on this grid, it’s going to be a long race.
“Tyre management will be a big thing tomorrow. We did a good job in Monza but we have to reset, tomorrow is another race with other issues. We’ll do our homework tonight to get ready for tomorrow.”
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Oscar Piastri after qualifying P2...
14:20
Kieran Jackson
“I got a bit closer to the walls, risk-reward commitment. I just tried to maximise the car, very happy with Q3.
“I think following around here is going to be really tough, some clean air would be good.”
"I just got a bit closer to the walls and on the last lap got a little bit too close"
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) September 14, 2024
Oscar on securing P2 for tomorrow's Azerbaijan GP pic.twitter.com/fCQ6tdUs57
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Carlos Sainz after qualifying third...
14:14
Kieran Jackson
“We had a solid quali, solid day with the two cars, we’ve put ourselves in a very good position for tomorrow. I’ve neve been that hooked up around here but all to play for tomorrow.
“It’s Baku, I’ve never been the best version of myself around here - but tomorrow we will see.”
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: TOP-10 IN QUALIFYING
14:09
Kieran Jackson
1. Charles Leclerc
2. Oscar Piastri
3. Carlos Sainz
4. Sergio Perez
5. George Russell
6. Max Verstappen
7. Lewis Hamilton
8. Fernando Alonso
9. Franco Colapinto
10. Alex Albon
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Alex Albon still has his airbox fan on the car!
14:01
Kieran Jackson
Bizarre scenes!
Albon drives out of the pit-lane with the airbox fan still on his car! The driver manages to take it off himself and chuck it to the side by the pit lane exit!
I’ve never seen that before... anyway I don’t think it will affect his flying lap or anyone else’s lap!
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Sergio Perez...
13:58
Kieran Jackson
“OK we do a quick turnaround because we don’t want to be the last car.”
3:00 to go.
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Charles Leclerc on provisional pole!
13:56
Kieran Jackson
It’s a Ferrari one-two after the first laps!
Leclerc on top with a 1:41:610, two-tenths ahead of Sainz!
Max Verstappen, after sliding out of the final corner, only sixth-fastest and behind Sergio Perez!
3-10: Piastri, Russell, Perez, Verstappen, Hamilton, Albon, Colapinto, Alonso
5:00 to go, as they all head into the garage.
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Q3 underway!
13:50
Kieran Jackson
Here we go then - this should be close!
10 drivers involved: Verstappen, Perez, Piastri, Russell, Hamilton, Leclerc, Sainz, Albon, Colapinto, Alonso
It’s all to play for!
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Ollie Bearman...
13:43
Kieran Jackson
“Damn it. I’m such an idiot!”
I think he’s angry about a lock-up on his final lap..
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Ollie Bearman misses out!
13:42
Kieran Jackson
So close for Bearman - but it’s P11 for the British teenager!
Bottom-five and out in Q2 (11-15): Bearman, Tsunoda, Gasly, Hulkenberg, Stroll
Franco Colapinto is up in P6 - four-tenths ahead of Alex Albon in 10th! Wow!
Top-3: Verstappen, Leclerc, Perez
Time for Q3!
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Lewis Hamilton in ninth!
13:38
Kieran Jackson
Hamilton will need to go quicker, just a few tenths faster than Franco Colapinto in P11.
Ollie Bearman is looking good in seventh!
Current bottom-five (11-15): Colapinto, Alonso, Gasly, Tsunoda, Stroll
3:00 to go.
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Fernando Alonso down in P12!
13:34
Kieran Jackson
Fernando Alonso has work to do in 12th, with team-mate Lance Stroll also in 15th.
Current bottom-five (11-15): Colapinto, Alonso, Gasly, Tsunoda, Stroll
Charles Leclerc down in P9 after first runs. Top-3: Verstappen, Perez, Piastri
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Q2 underway!
13:28
Kieran Jackson
Q2 underway then... without second in the championship involved!
15 minutes where we’ll lose the slowest five drivers again.
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Lando Norris...
13:27
Kieran Jackson
“The car was good. People did their second laps and I didn’t. I had to lift.
“It is what it is, long race ahead. We have some good tyres in the bank, just try and be hopeful. Still hopeful we can get a good result. Bit frustrating.”
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Lando Norris is out in Q1!
13:21
Kieran Jackson
Oh my goodness! A nightmare for Lando Norris!
Norris is out of qualifying and is down in P17! What a nightmare! He boxed on his final lap after going wide at turn 16!
Bottom-five and out in Q1 (16-20): Ricciardo, Norris, Bottas, Zhou, Ocon
Alonso escapes in P15, with Bearman in P14.
Wow! That is beyond disastrous for the championship contender for the race tomorrow.
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Lewis Hamilton fourth-fastest
13:15
Kieran Jackson
The Mercedes boys put on the softs and get themselves safe - Hamilton P4. Russell P2.
Current bottom-five (16-20): Stroll, Ocon, Botas, Ricciardo, Zhou
Ollie Bearman in P14 right now, he’ll have to go quicker...
3:00 to go. Here they all come for their final laps.
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Franco Colapinto third-fastest!
13:11
Kieran Jackson
Impressive lap from the rookie, who goes third-fastest for Williams!
Current bottom-five (16-20): Bottas, Ricciardo, Gasly, Zhou, Ocon
George Russell teetering above the drop-zone in P15 on his medium tyre run.
8:00 to go. Plenty of time yet...
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Sergio Perez quickest early on
13:07
Kieran Jackson
Perez goes quicker than Verstappen early on with a 1:43:436, with Leclerc splitting the Red Bulls.
Interestingly, both Mercedes cars are on mediums to start with - and the rest of the field is on softs!
Bit strange... are they trying to save a pair of softs for Q3?
12:00 to go in Q1.
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Q1 underway!
13:03
Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton among the numerous cars straight out on track as qualifying begins in Baku!
18 minutes for Q1, where we will lose the slowest five drivers from the rest of qualifying...
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: It’s hot in Baku!
12:59
Kieran Jackson
In contrast to this morning’s cold practice session, the sun is out and the track temperature is up to 38C!
Q1 coming right up!
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Ollie Bearman’s Haas nearly fixed!
12:53
Kieran Jackson
After his crash in third practice, it’s touch and go for Bearman’s Haas car and its condition!
They should have it fixed and ready to go for Q1 at 1pm!
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Qualifying coming right up!
12:50
Kieran Jackson
We’re just 10 minutes away from qualifying in Baku!
And it’s very open! Eight cars are in the mix for pole - that includes Sergio Perez, who has been flying around a circuit he’s won at twice before - with Charles Leclerc perhaps the favourite given his run of three consecutive pole positions here!
It’s tight and twisty - and we can expect some drama in the forthcoming hour!
Driver Standings heading into the Azerbaijan GP:
12:45
Kieran Jackson
1. Max Verstappen - 303 points
2. Lando Norris - 241 points
3. Charles Leclerc - 217 points
4. Oscar Piastri - 197 points
5. Carlos Sainz - 184 points
6. Lewis Hamilton - 164 points
7. Sergio Perez - 143 points
8. George Russell - 128 points
9. Fernando Alonso - 50 points
10. Lance Stroll - 24 points
11. Nico Hulkenberg - 22 points
12. Yuki Tsunoda - 22 points
13. Daniel Ricciardo - 12 points
14. Pierre Gasly - 8 points
15. Oliver Bearman - 6 points
16. Kevin Magnussen - 6 points
17. Alex Albon - 6 points
18. Esteban Ocon - 5 points
19. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points
20. Logan Sargeant - 0 points
21. Franco Colapinto - 0 points
22. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Lewis Hamilton’s reaction to Adrian Newey snubbing Ferrari...
12:35
Kieran Jackson
Asked ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix whether he was disappointed that Newey will not be joining the Scuderia, Hamilton replied: “Honestly, no.
“While I have said before that it would be an honour to work with Adrian, I have been part of two championship-winning teams that didn’t have Adrian.
“I think any team would have been happy to have him. At the end of the day he had to do what is right for him. It doesn’t change my goal or my focus for my next move. I still believe 100 per cent that there is lots we can do.”
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Martin Brundle explains Adrian Newey’s ‘nasty habit’
12:25
Kieran Jackson
Martin Brundle alluded to Adrian Newey’s record of winning world championships at various F1 teams as a “nasty habit” following the design guru’s move to Aston Martin on Tuesday.
In turning down Ferrari – and a partnership with Lewis Hamilton in the process – Newey has committed to Lawrence Stroll’s ambitious Aston project. Newey will become a shareholder in the team, in addition to his £20m-a-year contract.
“Adrian Newey is a big name obviously in Formula One,” Sky F1 pundit and former driver Brundle told Sky Sports News on Tuesday.
Read full quotes below:
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Lando in a lego car!
12:18
Kieran Jackson
This is cool...
Constructors’ Standings ahead of Azerbaijan GP:
12:10
Kieran Jackson
Just an eight point gap at the top!
1. Red Bull - 446 points
2. McLaren - 438 points
3. Ferrari - 407 points
4. Mercedes - 292 points
5. Aston Martin - 74 points
6. RB - 34 points
7. Haas - 28 points
8. Alpine - 13 points
9. Williams - 6 points
10. Sauber - 0 points
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Adrian Newey snubbed Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari for Aston Martin – here’s why
11:58
Kieran Jackson
When Adrian Newey stunned the Formula One paddock by announcing his departure from the all-conquering Red Bull in May, there seemed only one appropriate destination for the legendary designer’s swansong. Sky F1 broadcaster Martin Brundle hinted as much when he asked Newey in Miami: “Do you look good in red?!”
Now we know the answer: not good enough, it seems.
Full piece below:
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Ted Kravitz makes ‘seismic’ Aston Martin F1 prediction after Adrian Newey arrival
11:42
Kieran Jackson
Sky F1 expert Ted Kravitz believes Aston Martin will be challenging for the Formula One world championship by 2026 with Adrian Newey now on board.
“It’s seismic. I don’t want to overstate it, or I do! It is seismic. It’s not as simple as saying Adrian Newey is joining the team which used to be Jordan. But wow, what a team, what a facility, what investment, what prospects it has.
“With Adrian Newey on board, they are going to be championship challengers in two years time, a maximum three years time. And that is seismic for Formula 1.”
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: What are the timings this weekend in Baku?
11:20
Kieran Jackson
All times BST
Saturday 14 September
- Qualifying: 1pm
Sunday 15 September
- Race: 12pm
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Jacques Villeneuve on ‘papaya rules’ at McLaren
11:12
Kieran Jackson
“I mean, I don’t want to be demeaning, I’m trying to find the right words, but I find it a little bit pathetic.
“This is F1. It’s the pinnacle. If I was a McLaren fan, I would be upset. Do they really want to win? Do they care? It doesn’t sound like they want to win. You know, it’s very utopic, it’s beautiful, but that’s not F1, you are here to win. That’s all that matters.
“Lando got the better of Piastri for the first half of the season. He’s the one with a chance to win. You play by that rule.”
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: FP3 RESULTS IN FULL
10:50
Kieran Jackson
Qualifying is looking impossible to predict!
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 14, 2024
Here's how FP3 finished up in Baku #F1 #AzerbaijanGP pic.twitter.com/MEZFy2yyDa
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: George Russell fastest in FP3!
10:36
Kieran Jackson
Wow, where did that pace come from?!
George Russell’s Mercedes looked rapid down the main straight and he sets the quickest time with a 1:42:514, 0.013 secs quicker than Charles Leclerc in P2!
Lando Norris is two-tenths back in third, followed by Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen - it’s tight though!
6-10: Sainz, Perez, Albon, Colapinto, Hamilton
Sets it up beautifully for qualifying later!
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Charles Leclerc shoots up to P1!
10:29
Kieran Jackson
Leclerc - who has been on pole the last three years in Baku - goes to the top of the leaderboard with a 1:42:564 lap time!
Lando Norris is a new name in P2, 0.173 secs slower, with Piastri in third.
4-10: Verstappen, Russell, Perez, Albon, Colapinto, Hamilton, Alonso
5:00 to go!
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Oscar Piastri quickest!
10:22
Kieran Jackson
Here come the times - and it’s McLaren out in front!
Oscar Piastri goes fastest with a 1:42:749, six-tenths quicker than Red Bull’s Sergio Perez in second!
Charles Leclerc is third, with Max Verstappen fourth and Alex Albon fifth.
6-10: Alonso, Sainz, Russell, Norris, Hamilton
More soft tyre laps coming in now though, with 10 minutes left!
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Green light!
10:11
Kieran Jackson
Bearman’s Haas has been removed and we’re back to normal - we hope! - for the final 20 minutes of practice.
Time for some timed laps, me thinks! Alex Albon is currently P1 for Williams...
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: RED FLAG!
10:06
Kieran Jackson
That didn’t last long!
Ollie Bearman has crashed at turn one!
The Haas driver bailed out of the corner - where he was coming in way too hot - but clipped the barrier and has ruined the front tyres!
“I’m such an idiot, I’m so sorry” he says. He’s fuming with himself!
Session stopped again!
"I'm such an idiot!" ♂️
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) September 14, 2024
Ollie Bearman crashes out of FP3 pic.twitter.com/0h6rRwQTnP
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Green flag conditions!
09:58
Kieran Jackson
I think it was a simple power issue for Ocon’s Alpine... but his car has been removed from the track and we’re back with third practice running!
More cars on track now, with 35 minutes left. Times coming in now, just as Oscar Piastri reports some drops of rain.
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: RED FLAG!
09:46
Kieran Jackson
Ocon: “I’ve got a problem!”
The Alpine driver has stopped out on track, leading up to the main straight.
Session stopped - red flag!
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Only five cars out on track initially!
09:39
Kieran Jackson
Plenty of drivers are standing calmly in their garages at the moment, no rush it seems to get out there this morning!
Stroll, Perez, Zhou, Tsunoda and Bottas the only cars out there at the moment!
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Third practice underway!
09:32
Kieran Jackson
Sergio Perez - the only man to win this race twice - is the first man out on track this morning as the final 60-minute session begins.
Meanwhile, there’s an A-lister in the Ferrari garage, with Will Smith in the house in Baku!
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Few minutes away from third practice!
09:28
Kieran Jackson
So it’s the third and final hour of practice in Baku - who will set the final benchmark ahead of qualifying later?!
Can McLaren improve their pace on what is a cloudy, overcast day on the shores of Caspian Sea?
Constructors’ Standings ahead of Azerbaijan GP:
09:21
Kieran Jackson
Just an eight point gap at the top!
1. Red Bull - 446 points
2. McLaren - 438 points
3. Ferrari - 407 points
4. Mercedes - 292 points
5. Aston Martin - 74 points
6. RB - 34 points
7. Haas - 28 points
8. Alpine - 13 points
9. Williams - 6 points
10. Sauber - 0 points
The anatomy of Lando Norris on pole – and the seven times it’s gone wrong
09:17
Kieran Jackson
McLaren have made their move. Ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix and with eight grands prix and three sprint races to go, championship contender Lando Norris will now receive No 1 status.
At long last, some might say. Others will say it has come too late.
Full piece below:
Driver Standings ahead of this weekend:
09:12
Kieran Jackson
1. Max Verstappen - 303 points
2. Lando Norris - 241 points
3. Charles Leclerc - 217 points
4. Oscar Piastri - 197 points
5. Carlos Sainz - 184 points
6. Lewis Hamilton - 164 points
7. Sergio Perez - 143 points
8. George Russell - 128 points
9. Fernando Alonso - 50 points
10. Lance Stroll - 24 points
11. Nico Hulkenberg - 22 points
12. Yuki Tsunoda - 22 points
13. Daniel Ricciardo - 12 points
14. Pierre Gasly - 8 points
15. Oliver Bearman - 6 points
16. Kevin Magnussen - 6 points
17. Alex Albon - 6 points
18. Esteban Ocon - 5 points
19. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points
20. Logan Sargeant - 0 points
21. Franco Colapinto - 0 points
22. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points
What are the timings this weekend in Azerbaijan?
09:08
Kieran Jackson
All times BST
Saturday 14 September
- Free practice 3: 9:30am
- Qualifying: 1pm
Sunday 15 September
- Race: 12pm
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: FP3!
09:06
Kieran Jackson
F1 returns after a one-week break this weekend as Baku hosts the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and round 17 of the 2024 season.
Charles Leclerc secured a famous victory for Ferrari at Monza last time out, ahead of the quick McLaren pairing of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. British driver Norris now trails Max Verstappen - who could only finish sixth in Italy - by 62 points in the world championship with eight races to go.
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez won the last race in Baku last April, while the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will be eyeing a return to form as well on the popular street circuit by the Caspian Sea.
It has already been an eventful week in F1, with Red Bull design guru Adrian Newey announcing his move to Aston Martin for next year in a massive statement of intent, turning down Ferrari in the process.
Join us tomorrow!
Friday 13 September 2024 18:30
Kieran Jackson
Thanks for keeping up with our coverage at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday!
Join us tomorrow for qualifying, which starts at 1pm (BST).
The anatomy of Lando Norris on pole – and the seven times it’s gone wrong
Friday 13 September 2024 18:13
Kieran Jackson
Feature by Kieran Jackson
If Lando Norris were to chase down Verstappen and win his first world championship in Abu Dhabi in December, it would be the mightiest comeback in F1 history. But to do so, and take advantage of performances in qualifying which have been sumptuous in recent months, he has one obvious area to strengthen.
It is now seven times that Norris has started an F1 race on pole – and seven times he has failed to lead when starting lap two.
What has Norris been doing wrong? Are there repeated issues at the start line? We break down all seven of those pole position starts – dating back to 2021 – to highlight where Norris must improve if he is to start claiming consistent lights-to-flag victories with the minimum of fuss.
Driver Standings ahead of Baku:
Friday 13 September 2024 16:42
Kieran Jackson
1. Max Verstappen - 303 points
2. Lando Norris - 241 points
3. Charles Leclerc - 217 points
4. Oscar Piastri - 197 points
5. Carlos Sainz - 184 points
6. Lewis Hamilton - 164 points
7. Sergio Perez - 143 points
8. George Russell - 128 points
9. Fernando Alonso - 50 points
10. Lance Stroll - 24 points
11. Nico Hulkenberg - 22 points
12. Yuki Tsunoda - 22 points
13. Daniel Ricciardo - 12 points
14. Pierre Gasly - 8 points
15. Oliver Bearman - 6 points
16. Kevin Magnussen - 6 points
17. Alex Albon - 6 points
18. Esteban Ocon - 5 points
19. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points
20. Logan Sargeant - 0 points
21. Franco Colapinto - 0 points
22. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points
What are the timings for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?
Friday 13 September 2024 16:20
Kieran Jackson
All times BST
Saturday 14 September
- Free practice 3: 9:30am
- Qualifying: 1pm
Sunday 15 September
- Race: 12pm
Adrian Newey criticises Sky F1’s ‘nationalistic’ coverage of Max Verstappen
Friday 13 September 2024 15:59
Kieran Jackson
Adrian Newey has labelled Sky Sports’ coverage of Formula One “nationalistic” when discussing Max Verstappen’s status in the sport.
Newey, whose 2025 move to Aston Martin was announced on Tuesday, has been the chief designer behind Verstappen’s championship-winning Red Bull cars in the last three years.
Newey was also the lead architect behind the Red Bull cars which powered Sebastian Vettel to four straight drivers’ titles from 2010-2013 – a feat Verstappen is looking to match this year.
Charles Leclerc hits out at Ferrari team after crash in Azerbaijan GP practice
Friday 13 September 2024 15:41
Kieran Jackson
Charles Leclerc voiced his irritation with his Ferrari team and car on a difficult opening day at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for the Monegasque driver.
Leclerc, who raised hopes of an unlikely F1 title bid with victory at his team’s home race at Monza a fortnight ago, was the fastest man on track in first practice before dumping his car into the wall just over halfway through the session.
Full piece below:
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: FP2 RESULTS IN FULL!
Friday 13 September 2024 15:25
Kieran Jackson
It's Leclerc fastest, by just 0.006 seconds!
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 13, 2024
Here's the full classification from FP2 #F1 #AzerbaijanGP pic.twitter.com/z1rzowGnQp
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Charles Leclerc quickest in FP2!
Friday 13 September 2024 15:12
Kieran Jackson
What a turnaround for Charles Leclerc!
Crashed in FP1, unhappy at the start of FP2... but he pulls a lap out the bag to top the timesheet with a 1:43:484.
Sergio Perez, who goes well around here, 0.006 secs behind in second with Lewis Hamilton also within a tenth in third.
4-10: Sainz, Piastri, Verstappen, Stroll, Hulkenberg, Russell, Bearman
Lando Norris is down in P17 - but he didn’t set a competitive time on the soft tyre!
