Russell takes dominant Baku pole as Antonelli crashes out in Q1

Russell put Mercedes on pole for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit with a dominant qualifying performance. He beat Leclerc to top spot, with Piastri third.

Several reports described Russell's advantage as commanding, with the margin given as eight tenths or 0.837s. It was also noted as the biggest pole margin seen in Baku, and the biggest of the 2026 season.

Qualifying ended early for Mercedes team-mate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who crashed in Q1. Reports said he hit the barriers on the inside of the Turn 1 left-hander and could not return to the pits, leaving him set to start 16th.