Azerbaijan GP 2026: Russell Takes Pole as Antonelli Crashes Out

George Russell will start from pole at the Azerbaijan GP 2026 after a strong qualifying session in Baku. The Mercedes driver set a time of 1:42.526. That was enough to beat Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.

Russell was almost one second faster than Leclerc in the final part of qualifying. He finished 0.837 seconds ahead of the Ferrari driver. It was also his fifth pole position of the 2026 season.

The race starts on September 26 at the Baku City Circuit. Therefore, Russell will lead the field. Leclerc will start beside him on the first row.

Azerbaijan GP 2026: Verstappen Starts Eighth

Max Verstappen will start the race from eighth on the grid. However, his Red Bull team-mate Isack Hadjar will start much higher in fourth.

Hadjar was only 0.137 seconds behind Piastri in qualifying. He also finished ahead of Lando Norris. Norris will start fifth for McLaren.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton will start sixth for Ferrari. Pierre Gasly is seventh for Alpine. Franco Colapinto starts ninth.

Verstappen will have several cars between himself and the front row. As a result, he will need a strong start to move up the field.

Formula 1 cars line up for the Azerbaijan GP 2026 at Baku City Circuit.

Azerbaijan GP 2026: Russell Leads the Starting Grid

Russell has a clear track ahead of him at the start. Leclerc will start beside him. Piastri and Hadjar make up the second row.

Norris and Hamilton will start from the third row. Meanwhile, Verstappen will start eighth. He will face a tougher route through the field.

Antonelli Starts From P16

Kimi Antonelli had a difficult qualifying session in Baku. The Mercedes driver crashed at Turn 1 during Q1.

The crash ended his session. It also left him 16th on the starting grid. Antonelli leads the 2026 Drivers’ Championship. So, his low starting place adds extra pressure to the race.

However, Antonelli still has a chance to gain places. Baku has long straights and several overtaking spots. These features could help him move through the field.

Russell will therefore be the only Mercedes driver near the front when the race begins.

McLaren Has Two Cars Near the Front

McLaren will have both cars inside the top five.

Oscar Piastri qualified third. He finished just 0.001 seconds behind Leclerc. Norris took fifth after a lock-up on his final qualifying lap.

As a result, McLaren starts with two strong positions. The team can target a double points finish. However, the final race result remains unknown.

Ferrari Starts With Leclerc and Hamilton

Charles Leclerc will start second after a strong qualifying run. He finished 0.837 seconds behind Russell.

Hamilton will start sixth. Therefore, Ferrari has both cars inside the top six. This gives the team a strong starting position for the race.

The Baku race can produce a close fight. The track has long straights and tight corners. However, race pace, tyre strategy and incidents will also play a role.

Official Starting Grid

The official grid also includes changes after qualifying penalties. Carlos Sainz originally qualified ninth. However, a five-place penalty dropped him to 14th. Stewards gave him the penalty after he failed to slow enough under yellow flags.

Sergio Perez also received a three-place penalty for impeding Piastri. However, Perez remains 20th because other penalties moved drivers behind him.

Overall, Russell will lead the field from pole. Leclerc and Piastri will start close behind. Meanwhile, Verstappen starts eighth and Antonelli starts 16th.

The race should bring plenty of action in Baku. Russell has the best starting spot, while several drivers will look to gain places from the opening lap.

By: Rishi Agre, Shruti Prabhune
Photo: Niti Ladha
Idea: Ronak Rane