George Russell delivered a stunning performance in qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, putting Mercedes firmly on pole position in Baku. The Briton was in a class of his own, finishing a remarkable 0.837 seconds clear of his nearest rival, Charles Leclerc.

The result is particularly significant given the absence of Andrea Kimi Antonelli from the fight at the front. The 2026 championship leader damaged his Mercedes and was unable to challenge for pole. Antonelli will face a long afternoon on Sunday after qualifying only 16th.

Leclerc secured second place for Ferrari, while Oscar Piastri put McLaren third on the grid. The Australian was just 0.001 seconds behind the Ferrari driver, setting up an intriguing battle for the podium at the start.

Isack Hadjar produced an impressive qualifying performance for Red Bull to take fourth, ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris. Lewis Hamilton will start sixth for Ferrari, with Pierre Gasly seventh.

One of the biggest surprises came from Max Verstappen. The Red Bull driver had looked among the quickest competitors throughout the practice sessions but could manage only eighth in Q3. Carlos Sainz will start ninth for Williams, while Franco Colapinto completed the top 10 for Alpine.

Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Qualifying: Top 10

1. George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:42.526
2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.837
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.838
4. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +0.974
5. Lando Norris (McLaren) +1.146
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +1.332
7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) +1.521
8. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +1.555
9. Carlos Sainz (Williams) +2.040
10. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) +2.437