Max qualifies sixth in Baku: 'This is a bummer'

Published on 14 September 2024 by Florence Cobben

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix came to a disappointing end for Max Verstappen. The Dutch Oracle Red Bull Racing-driver seemed in contention for pole position, but on the streets of Baku, he had to content himself with sixth place. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, in their Ferrari's, ended in P1 and P3, with Oscar Piastri (McLaren) sandwiched in second place. 

"After my first run in Q1, I already knew it would be difficult," Max explains post-qualifying. "We had changed a couple of things in the car, and that caused a lot of bouncing in the back of the car when turning in and out of a curve. That was difficult. In Q2 it still went relatively well, but the car did not feel good and I couldn't get the maximum out of it. I had too much oversteer, and you don't want that on a street circuit."

Regarding Q3, Max elaborates, "In my first run I made a mistake in the last turn, where the car broke out of the turn. In the run after I had so too many problems with bouncing. If you're not totally comfortable, you can't attack. We changed some things, and know what the problem is. This is a bummer." Regarding the 51 lap-race looming on the horizon, Max concludes: "The way the car feels now is not good. We'll see."

It is 27 degrees and sunny at the start of the Baku Street Circuit qualifying. Max, after his first run, voices his discontent over the handling of the RB20. His second attempt is better, putting him three-tenths behind Charles Leclerc on P1. McLaren takes a gamble, and a yellow flag in the closing moments of the session guarantees Lando Norris (P17) can't improve his time. He instead joins the exiting party of Q1 alongside Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu and Esteban Ocon.

In Q2, both Red Bulls make a good start, with Max setting the pace (1:42.042), followed by Sergio Perez at two-tenths distance. Leclerc claims second. Those exiting stage left of Q2 are: Oliver Bearman, Yuki Tsunoda, Pierre Gasly, Nico Hülkenberg and Lance Stroll. Franco Colapinto, Williams' new driver, surprises the crowds with going through to Q3 in sixth.

In the last stage of qualifying, Max's car suffers from oversteer in turn 16, and he doesn't make it any further than P6. The Ferrari's take the lead, with Leclerc and Sainz ahead of Oscar Piastri. Max's second run doesn't go much better, with the car bouncing aggresively, leaving him in sixth (1:42.023), six-tenths behind polesitter Leclerc (1:41.365).

Piastri (McLaren) will start the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from second, with Sainz (Ferrari) and Perez on the second row. George Russell, in his Mercedes, will start in fifth, followed by Max's Red Bull. In the fight for the fifth row, Alex Albon had to relent the position to new teammate Colapinto (P9).

Contest GP Azerbaijan: win a by Max Verstappen signed Red Bull Racing cap!

Results qualifying Azerbaijan: