F1: Russell dominates and secures pole for the Azerbaijan GP; Antonelli crashes and leaves in 16th, while Bortoleto is 17th

George Russell takes pole position for Saturday's race (26) at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and opens more than 800 over Charles Leclerc

Before qualifying: Baku starts with Verstappen in the last minute and Bortoleto 13th

In preparation for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, F1 had an important sign before qualifying: Verstappen appeared at the last minute and led TL3, while Bortoleto finished 13th.

In the standings: George Russell secures pole position for Saturday (26)

When Formula 1 set the qualification for Saturday's race (26) at the Azerbaijan GP, George Russell clocked pole position. The most relevant number of the session was the advantage opened by him over Charles Leclerc: more than 0s800. For the Brazilian fans, who usually translate the start as a goal before the whistle, Russell's pole gave the impression of a team that arrives at the beginning of the race with the ball in hand. In motorsport, this difference of 0s800 is not just about lap time; it changes the strategy of the technicians, the responsibility of Russell team and the pressure on Leclarc.

After the pole: what changes for Saturday's race (26)

With George Russell in front of the starting grid, Saturday's race (26) is now being read as a run test. If Russell's team knows how to turn pole position into pace control, Leclerc tends to seek reaction on the first laps.

At the moment: classification defined and running on sight

The qualification for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is closed. George Russell will start on pole position for Saturday's race (26), Charles Leclerc was more than 0s800 behind, and the previous TL3 had Verstappen at winger and Bortoleto in 13th.

== sync, corrected by elderman == @elder_man