Picture Credit: Twitter/@F1
The 2021 Formula 1 season has yet again gone onto prove that it is unlike any other. With the latest Qualifying session in action, a new record was set for stoppages. Amid a horror crash show, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc continued to impress with his fine form in the street circuits, clinching another pole. He finished 1m 41.218s, followed by Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Known to be one of the fastest street circuits in the world, Baku City Circuit saw some devastating crash and collisions in the entire qualifying session, which eventually saw a total of five drivers crashing out until the commencement.
Azerbaijan GP qualifying record tying 4 stoppages and drivers included in Red Flag halts
During the closing stages, there was drama when Japanese driver, Yuki Tsunoda crashed at Turn 3, which forced all the other driver to abort their second turns. Resulting in an early end to the particular session. Yet AlphaTauri’s Tsunoda ended up at a career-best eighth on the grid.
British driver, Lando Norris went sixth, having seen his teammate Daniel Ricciardo crash out in Q2. In addition, a red flagged was even waved when Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll was involved in the initial crash.
Following this incident, Carlos Sainz who was behind Yuki Tsunoda on the road lost the control of his SF21 and slide down the escape road. In this crash, Sainz damaged his front wing as well as the right rear. This could potentially mean the Spanish driver might have damaged his gearbox.
To sum it up, the session saw four red flags in total. Involving crashes for Lance Stroll, Antonio Giovinazzi, Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda. This tied the 2016 Hungarian Grand Prix unpleasant record for the most red flags in a session.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2021 Preview
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took his second consecutive pole after Monaco Grand Prix. Having said that, the Monegasque driver would be looking to make it count without fail for his team. And who knows his efforts could bridge the gap between Ferrari and McLaren in the Constructor’s Standings
Apart from this, the key battle between the leading drivers seems to be glorifying like none other. Will Lewis Hamilton snatch back his numero uno spot in the Driver’s standings or will Max Verstappen extend his lead at the top? This remains to be seen.