Russell takes Baku pole as Antonelli crashes out in qualifying

George Russell claimed pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, giving Mercedes the top spot on the grid. The 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship pole was his fifth of the season, and he finished 0.837 seconds clear of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc with a best lap of 1:42.526.

Qualifying had initially appeared to be a close fight involving Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull, but Russell pulled clear in Q3 by finding more time on each of his final two runs. Leclerc took second, just 0.001 seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri, while Isack Hadjar was fourth for Red Bull.

There was also disappointment for Mercedes on the other side of the garage. Russell's team-mate Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, crashed into the wall and went out in the first qualifying session.