Verstappen Secures Pole in Baku Amid GT3 Drivers’ Win

Max Verstappen demonstrated his prowess on the track during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying session, securing his 46th career pole position in Formula 1. This marked his sixth pole of the season, outpacing competitors from McLaren and others. The session, however, was not without its challenges, as it was punctuated by a record six red flags, causing delays and disruptions.

While Verstappen focused on his performance in Baku, he also had a vested interest in the outcome of the GT World Challenge race, where his GT3 drivers, Thierry Vermeulen and Chris Lulham, were competing. The duo clinched victory in Valencia, driving the Ferrari 296 GT3 under the Emil Frey Racing banner. Reflecting on the dual events, Verstappen admitted, “I was really pissed that I missed the entire race because F1 qualifying took so long. But when I grabbed my phone after I got out of the car and saw the result, everything was fine again.”

Balancing Act Between Two Races

Verstappen’s commitment to coaching his GT3 drivers highlights his passion for motorsport beyond Formula 1. “It’s really impressive that they managed to win that race,” he said. “Of course, they still have a lot to learn, and you could also see that on Saturday morning during qualifying. But this is a great result for them, and it’s a proud moment for me as well, seeing them win.”

As for his performance in Baku, the Red Bull driver felt a strong sense of confidence throughout the qualifying session, a notable change from previous outings in the city. “Many times in Baku I didn’t feel comfortable in the car because the balance wasn’t right for me. But this time it was different,” he explained. The adjustments made to the car seemed to pay off as he navigated the course with increased confidence.

Verstappen emphasized the importance of fine-tuning the car during the race weekend, stating, “You can fine-tune things more during a race weekend instead of making all those big changes. Therefore, you get much better references going into qualifying.” This strategy allowed him to deliver a strong lap when it mattered most, even amidst the chaos of the session.

Challenging Conditions and Strategic Insights

Despite his success, Verstappen acknowledged the difficulties posed by the unpredictable conditions in Baku. “The wind was strong and very inconsistent,” he noted, explaining how these factors made it challenging to maintain control. “When you arrive at a certain corner, it’s almost impossible to know what will happen next.” He described the experience of dealing with sudden changes in wind speed and direction, which can significantly impact the performance of the cars.

Carlos Sainz, in the post-qualifying press conference, added that the current generation of Formula 1 cars is particularly sensitive to wind, leading to substantial losses in downforce during slow-speed corners. Verstappen concurred, stating, “Yes, especially with the wind. These cars are very big and heavy, and small movements because of the wind can make a big difference.”

As the focus shifts to the race on Sunday, Verstappen remains cautious but optimistic. “The McLarens will come forward, that’s for sure. They are still very quick, but we have to focus on ourselves,” he said. “We’ll just do our own race and see where we end up. My long runs were good, but that’s no guarantee for Sunday. We simply don’t know about the others, but in terms of feeling, it’s again better this weekend.”

With the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ahead, Verstappen’s dual successes—both in securing pole position and celebrating his team’s win in the GT World Challenge—set the stage for an exciting race day.