George Russell takes Azerbaijan Grand Prix pole; Championship leader Antonelli crashes out

George Russell showed why Mercedes is such a big favorite at the Baku track as he went nearly a second faster than anyone else on track. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

George Russell took pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after Formula 1 standings leader Kimi Antonelli hit the wall in qualifying Friday.

With his teammate Kimi Antonelli out of the running, Russell showed why Mercedes is such a big favorite at the Baku track as he went nearly a second faster than anyone else on track.

“When I crossed the line and I saw the gap. I was shocked. I knew the lap was was great,” Russell said.

⏪ Rewind to Antonelli's moment at Turn 1 that ended his qualifying#F1#AzerbaijanGPpic.twitter.com/3Nee1nEO7D

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Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was .837 of a second off the pace and he crossed the finish line in second and Oscar Piastri was the third-fastest for McLaren, .001 further back. Isack Hadjar was fourth for Red Bull Racing on his return from a wrist injury.

“It’s been a little bit of a tricky one for us, but it’s not the first time this year,” the Australian said. “I feel like we get to qualifying, we take all the fuel out and the car just comes alive more.”

It marks the first pole for Russell since the Austrian Grand Prix in June, which was also his last win. The long straight at Baku favored Mercedes’ engine and car design.

Antonelli is set to start Saturday’s race in 16th place on the grid after he clipped the wall and damaged one of the front wheels and suspension in the first part of qualifying.

The Mercedes driver’s previous lap time was enough to reach the second part of qualifying but he was unable to continue.