Last Updated: 11/06/22 8:09 p.m.
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Having qualified for the pole position, Charles Leclerc is sure to reach the top of the Azerbaijan GP on Sunday.
Having qualified for the pole position, Charles Leclerc is sure to reach the top of the Azerbaijan GP on Sunday.
Charles Leclerc urged Ferrari to avoid “mistakes” as it finally tries to turn a pole position into a victory at Sunday’s Grand Prix in Azerbaijan.
Leclerc will start at the front of the grid for the fourth consecutive race – and the sixth time in eight laps this season – after beating Red Bull duo Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen to pole in an exciting qualifying round in Baku on Saturday .
Despite his excellent form, Leclerc, who have won two of the first three games of the season, lost their World Cup lead to Verstappen after failing to claim a win in each of their last four games.
Monegasque’s two most recent failures to convert from pole position were caused by an engine failure while at the helm of Barcelona and a strategic mistake amid changing weather conditions in Monaco.
Asked how he could turn his last pole into a victory, Leclerc said: “Good start, no mistakes, just try to do what we did in the last few games without mistakes.
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Lelerc takes pole position for the Grand Prix of Azerbaijan after an electric final round at the end of Q3.
Lelerc takes pole position for the Grand Prix of Azerbaijan after an electric final round at the end of Q3.
“The rhythm is there, the rhythm was there in Barcelona, it was there in Monaco.
“What happened in Barcelona is happening and in Monaco we made a mistake and we will learn from it.
“If we do everything perfectly tomorrow, I think we can bring victory home.”
The “confident” of Red Bull plans to put “pressure” on Ferrari
Despite losing the Leclerc pole again, Red Bull seemed confident that their pace would allow them to push hard for victory on Sunday.
“They seem to be confident, talking to Max and Checo, about the fight,” Leclerc added. “So I do not know if they know something I do not know, but I was sure after P2, the feeling was good with high fuel.”
Verstappen conquered the pole in Baku last year before a tire failure led him to retire from an imposing lead and said he hoped for a change of fortune this time around.
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Max Verstappen admits that Red Bull still has work to do, after qualifying for third place in Baku.
Max Verstappen admits that Red Bull still has work to do, after qualifying for third place in Baku.
“I started the race (at the pole) last year thinking it was an unlucky spot,” said Verstappen. “So I think if you have the rhythm it does not matter, you will get ahead.”
Having arguably triumphed to claim his maiden title in a fierce title battle with Lewis Hamilton last season, Verstappen seems to be aware of the growing expectations at Ferrari as the Italian win-win streak extends.
“Let’s hope that as a team we can put pressure on Ferrari and take advantage of it,” he added.
Horner: Hopefully we can give them a hard time
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Optimistic Christian Horner hopes his Red Bull drivers can make Leclerc “difficult” on Sunday at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Optimistic Christian Horner hopes his Red Bull drivers can make Leclerc “difficult” on Sunday at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Like his drivers, Christian Horner also appeared calm with confidence, with the Red Bull team leader expecting their straight-ahead advantage to pay off on Sunday.
“I thought before qualifying that it would be very tight and that in just one lap Ferrari would have the lead, but we have shown so far on Sunday that we have a good and competitive race car,” said Horner.
“On a track that you can cross, we hope to give them a difficult time tomorrow.
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Having qualified for second place in the Baku City Circuit, Sergio Perez stressed the importance of maintaining patience during the Azerbaijan GP.
Having qualified for second place in the Baku City Circuit, Sergio Perez stressed the importance of maintaining patience during the Azerbaijan GP.
“It’s so straight here and the DRS is strong enough, but of course you have to be close enough to use it in the midfield, so it’s all about trying to go ahead and change the beginning.”
Pereth, who received an additional boost from the announcement of a two-year contract extension after his victory in Monaco, is also looking for a second consecutive victory in Baku, after winning his maiden victory in the Red Bull match in Azerbaijan last season.
“P2 is still a good result for us and tomorrow, if we can get into the mix, it will be good,” Perez said.
“I think it’s one of those races, make sure you finish and then if you can finish without mistakes, you should always be in a good position.”
GP of Azerbaijan, Temporary Grid
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari2) Sergio Perez, Red Bull3) Max Verstappen, Red Bull4) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari5) George Russell, Mercedes6) Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri7) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes8) Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri9) Sebastian Vet1) Fernando Alonso, Alpine11) Lando Norris, McLaren12) Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren13) Esteban Ocon, Alpine14) Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo15) Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo16) Kevin Magnussen, Haas17) Alexi Albon, L. Williams1, L. Williams1) Aston Martinacher) Mick , Haas Watch all the action from the action of the Grand Prix of Azerbaijan on Sunday live from 10.30 am. at Sky Sports F1.
