F1 starting grid: Sprint race and Grand Prix formation for Azerbaijan

Here are the results of a rare Friday qualifying in Azerbaijan, which determine the starting grid for both the sprint race and Grand Prix.

For the first time this season, a Formula One team other than Red Bull will be on pole position, and it comes on a weekend where pole means just a little bit more than usual. The Azerbaijan weekend features a Grand Prix on Sunday, but also a sprint race on Saturday.

Ferrari has a legit chance to launch itself up the leaderboard, especially because both Aston Martin and Mercedes have one car starting out of the points apiece.

Here’s how the grid looks going into Saturday:

F1 starting grid for Azerbaijan sprint race and Grand Prix

1. Charles Leclerc // Max Verstappen
2. Sergio Perez // Carlos Sainz
3. Lewis Hamilton // Fernando Alonso
4. Lando Norris // Yuki Tsunoda
5. Lance Stroll // Oscar Piastri
6. George Russell // Esteban Ocon
7. Alexander Albon // Valtteri Bottas
8. Logan Sargeant // Zhou Guanyu
9. Nico Hulkenberg // Kevin Magnussen
10. Pierre Gasly // Nyck De Vries

From a pure 1-through-20 standpoint, here’s how it played out:

1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
3. Sergio Perez (Red Bull Racing)
4. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
5. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
6. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
7. Lando Norris (McLaren)
8. Yuki Tsunoda (Alphatauri)
9. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
10. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
11. George Russell (Mercedes)
12. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
13. Alexander Albon (Williams
14. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo)
15. Logan Sargeant (Williams)
16. Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo)
17. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
18. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
19. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
20. Nyck De Vries (AlphaTauri)