Charles Leclerc tops Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying session Norris second

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc delivered a standout performance in the opening session of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying, setting the fastest time and establishing himself as a key contender for pole position.

Leclerc's impressive lap time in the first qualifying session positions him as a strong candidate for the top starting spot in the upcoming race. McLaren's Lando Norris, who is currently second in the championship standings, finished the session in second place, closely trailing Leclerc, Caliber.Az reports.

The qualifying session also saw notable performances from several other drivers. Daniel Ricciardo from Red Bull, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu from Alfa Romeo, and Esteban Ocon from Alpine all completed their qualifying efforts, securing their positions for the next stage of the competition.

16:30

The qualification rounds for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Formula 1 have commenced, marking a pivotal moment in the buildup to the main event. The qualification began at 16:00 local time in Baku, setting the stage for a weekend of high-octane racing.

In the lead-up to qualification, the drivers showcased their form across three practice sessions. The first free practice session on September 13 saw Red Bull's Max Verstappen emerge as the fastest driver, demonstrating his dominance and setting a strong precedent for the rest of the weekend, Caliber.Az reports.

The second practice session later saw a shift in momentum, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc clocking the best time. Leclerc’s performance underscored Ferrari’s competitive edge and set the stage for an exciting battle in the subsequent sessions.

The third free practice session, held on September 14, highlighted Mercedes driver George Russell’s impressive skills as he recorded the fastest lap time. Russell’s performance reaffirms Mercedes’ competitive stance and adds to the anticipation for the qualification and final races.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set to conclude on September 15, with the qualification rounds shaping up to be a critical determinant of the grid positions for the main event. Fans and teams alike are eagerly awaiting the outcomes as the drivers prepare for what promises to be a thrilling race in the heart of Baku.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2024, running from September 13-15, continues to capture global attention. The event, which first debuted in 2017, is held on the Baku City Circuit, a renowned street circuit in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital. The race is set to remain at this venue until at least 2026.

The Baku City Circuit Operations Company anticipates a record-breaking global viewership for this year's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Approximately 300 journalists, including about 200 from international media outlets such as Sky Sports, Motorsport, Canal+, Netflix, and The Sun, are covering the event and bringing the excitement of the races on Baku’s streets to audiences worldwide.