Azerbaijan Grand Prix: The strong series of Ferrari driver Leclerc

As of: 6:25 p.m | Reading time: 3 minutes

Ferrari star Charles Leclerc continues to collect pole positions in Formula 1. On the street circuit in Baku, the Monegasque clinched first place on the grid for the fourth time in a row this season in qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. “Every pole feels good, I didn’t expect this one. Everything came together for me on the last lap,” said the 24-year-old, for whom it was the 15th pole position of his career.

Second place went to Monaco winner Sergio Pérez. The Mexican was again faster than his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen. The world champion had to settle for third place. “That wasn’t what I wished for,” said the world championship leader. However, unlike in Monte Carlo two weeks ago, overtaking on the streets of Baku is much easier. So Verstappen can also have hopes that Leclerc will be able to take first place on the grid again in the race on Sunday (1 p.m. / Sky).

Leclerc has only managed two wins from his previous five pole positions this season. His home game in Monaco was particularly bitter when Ferrari made a strategic mistake and robbed him of his chance of triumph. In the overall standings, Leclerc is nine points behind the leading Verstappen. Pérez is third in the World Cup.

Vettel is ninth

Sebastian Vettel made a strong showing in qualifying. The experienced driver finished ninth in the Aston Martin and played off his Baku experience. In five races on the Caspian Sea, he has never finished worse than fourth.

Vettel once again caused a stir with a political sign when he arrived in the paddock. The Hessian wore a white T-shirt with the words “Friends” and “Peace” written in black in Russian. Two hands were shown shaking hands. The 34-year-old also wore sweatbands in the blue and yellow colors of Ukraine. In the past few weeks, Vettel has spoken out several times against the background of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.

Vettel doesn’t think much of a separation of sport and politics, as some officials would like. “Certain issues are so big that you can no longer afford to evade them because they are bigger than sport,” said the four-time world champion on Sky TV.

Schumacher is last

Meanwhile, compatriot Mick Schumacher already has his hands full with his worries on the racetrack. As the last to qualify, the 23-year-old experienced the next disappointment. “The qualifying speaks for itself. Actually, we definitely would have had the speed to be a bit further ahead,” said Schumacher, audibly frustrated.

After a series of accidents, the son of record champion Michael Schumacher is under pressure. “I’m annoyed because the situation is a bit stupid. The car is better than last place,” said Schumacher.