Photo: Race Pictures

F1 Today | McLaren warns Verstappen is a title contender again

22:32, 20 Sep

Updated: 22:35, 20 Sep

byKada Sarkozi

It was a chaotic day in Baku, with Max Verstappen claiming pole position for Sunday's race. Catch up with all the key stories of the day here!

Max Verstappen claimed pole ahead of Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson - Photo: Race Pictures

Max Verstappen comes out on top in qualifying

Max Verstappen secured his second pole position in a row, breaking Charles Leclerc's streak of four at the Baku City Circuit.

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In tricky conditions, Carlos Sainz finished in second place, and Liam Lawson completed the top three.

There were six red flags in total in qualifying, as the session lasted longer than last year's Azerbaijan Grand Prix itself.

In Q3, both Leclerc and Oscar Piastri crashed out, each bringing out a red flag. Lando Norris couldn’t capitalize on his teammate’s rare mistake and finished seventh.

See the provisional starting grid for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix here!

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Andrea Stella - Photo: Race Pictures

Stella warns Verstappen is in the title battle again

While Verstappen will start from pole position, the McLaren drivers will line up P7 (Norris) and P9 (Piastri) for Sunday’s race.

After the session, McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella spoke about Verstappen's chances of defending his world title.

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"They have taken a new floor in Monza. They might be setting up their car slightly differently. We hear now the staff talking about [the car] grounding much more than it was doing before.

"So they might have a lot of performance. And I would not be surprised at all that Red Bull may continue the streak that they have started, because pole position in Monza, victory [there as well], pole position here.

"Red Bull are a very serious contender to win races and a very serious contender for the Drivers' Championship," the Italian explained.

On Sunday, McLaren will also have the chance to secure their second constructors' title in a row.

Verstappen on Red Bull turning things around

After winning the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen has now also taken his second pole position in a row at the Baku City Circuit.

Then the reigning World Champion admitted that at times, it was difficult for him to believe in Red Bull's resurgence.

"Ultimately, you always have difficult moments. And of course, sometimes you think, 'Will this ever work out?'

"But on the other hand, there's no point in continuing to think like that. You should always try to think of solutions. And talk to people, exchange ideas, that sort of thing," he concluded.