F1 Qualifying Results: 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix positions and times from Baku… See details

F1 Qualifying Results: 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix positions and times from Baku

George Russell has delivered a major statement in Azerbaijan, securing pole position for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a stunning qualifying performance around the Baku City Circuit.

The Mercedes driver produced a 1:42.526 to finish a remarkable 0.837 seconds clear of Charles Leclerc, while Oscar Piastri completed the front row battle in third. The result gives Russell an excellent starting position for Saturday’s race and puts further pressure on his Mercedes teammate and championship leader, Kimi Antonelli. �

GPFans +1

The biggest shock of qualifying, however, came from Antonelli. The Italian hit the wall at Turn 1 during Q1 and was unable to continue. Despite entering the weekend with the championship lead, Antonelli will start only 16th, creating a potentially dramatic situation for the title fight. �

GPFans +1

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will start second after an impressive session, while Lewis Hamilton secured sixth for Ferrari. Hamilton finished 1.332 seconds behind Russell, putting him on the third row alongside Lando Norris. �

GPFans

Max Verstappen also endured a frustrating afternoon. After showing strong pace in practice, the Red Bull driver could manage only eighth. A yellow flag affected his final flying lap, preventing him from challenging for the front positions. �

GPFans

2026 Azerbaijan GP qualifying results

Pos.

Driver

Team

Time/Gap

1

George Russell

Mercedes

1:42.526

2

Charles Leclerc

Ferrari

+0.837s

3

Oscar Piastri

McLaren

+0.838s

4

Isack Hadjar

Red Bull

+0.974s

5

Lando Norris

McLaren

+1.146s

6

Lewis Hamilton

Ferrari

+1.332s

7

Pierre Gasly

Alpine

+1.521s

8

Max Verstappen

Red Bull

+1.555s

9

Carlos Sainz

Williams

+2.040s

10

Franco Colapinto

Alpine

+2.437s

11

Oliver Bearman

Haas

Q2

12

Liam Lawson

Racing Bulls

Q2

13

Alex Albon

Williams

Q2

14

Esteban Ocon

Haas

Q2

15

Arvid Lindblad

Racing Bulls

Q2

16

Kimi Antonelli

Mercedes

Q1/Q2 incident

17

Gabriel Bortoleto

Audi

Q1

18

Nico Hulkenberg

Audi

Q1

19

Fernando Alonso

Aston Martin

Q1

20

Sergio Perez

Cadillac

Q1

21

Lance Stroll

Aston Martin

Q1

22

Valtteri Bottas

Cadillac

Q1

The qualifying order is confirmed by the published Baku results, with Russell taking pole and the top 10 completing Q3. �

GPFans +1

Russell suddenly has a huge opportunity

Russell’s performance was particularly significant because Mercedes had been expected to face a close fight with Red Bull and Ferrari. Instead, the Briton dominated the final session and secured his 12th career pole position. �

Crash.net

The result could also have major implications for the championship battle. Antonelli entered Azerbaijan leading Russell by a substantial margin, but his qualifying crash means the championship leader now faces a difficult recovery drive from 16th.

For Ferrari, Leclerc’s second place gives the team a genuine chance of fighting for victory, while Hamilton’s sixth-place start leaves him needing a strong race strategy to challenge the leaders.

Meanwhile, Verstappen’s eighth-place position means Red Bull has work to do after the Dutchman had looked competitive earlier in the weekend.

With the Baku street circuit known for its long straights, narrow sections and limited margin for error, Saturday’s race could quickly turn qualifying upside down.

The Azerbaijan GP grid is now set: Russell starts from pole, Leclerc joins him on the front row, Hamilton starts sixth, Verstappen eighth — and championship leader Antonelli faces a huge fight from 16th.

Read more in the comments. �

GPFans +1