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McLaren Racing Formula One driver Oscar Piastri faced a huge setback in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying session after crashing out in Q3. The track session on Saturday was marred with red and yellow flags due to the number of incidents, and the intermittent raindrops at the end that put many drivers at risk.
Being the 2025 championship leader, Piastri hoped to secure another pole position and potentially extend his lead over his teammate Lando Norris. However, in pushing hard, Piastri braked late and crashed into the barrier at Turn 3, ending his run immediately.
Qualifying was red-flagged due to the incident, which was one of the six red flags waved during the entire session that lasted for around 105 minutes, instead of the usual 60 minutes. Piastri will start the Grand Prix on Sunday in P9. Speaking on his abrupt Q3 exit, he said:
“I think I just braked a little bit late. I have not seen any data or anything but normally what happens when you end up locking a brake, it’s a bit late so yeah just disappointing obviously. I felt like the car was in a good place and yeah disappointing way to end.”
Asked if he was expecting more grip on the soft tire, Piastri admitted that it was likely a case of pushing “too hard.” He said:
“I mean the first two corners were really good and then I don’t know if I just tried a bit too much or you know the rain has been around so there’s some corners even in the out lap that felt a little bit tricky but I don’t know if that was one of them necessarily so yeah ultimately I need to go and have a look but I think just a case of trying a little bit too hard.”
Piastri’s qualifying runs have been flawless. Given his Baku win last year after a fierce battle with Charles Leclerc, he was asked if he felt like a win was within reach. He said:
“I think the win is ambitious but you know let’s wait and see how qualifying shakes out first. I think we can definitely make progress, the car has been quick this weekend so hopefully we can use that to make some progress.”
Max Verstappen secured pole position for the race at Baku City Circuit, followed by Williams’ Carlos Sainz in P2 and Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson in P3. With the Dutchman expected to pull away in the opening laps, Piastri’s chances of a win remain low.
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