Leclerc takes pole for Azerbaijan GP, Norris suffers shock early exit

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari took pole position for the Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix, while title challenger Lando Norris of McLaren suffered a shock exit in the first part of qualifying.

The Monegasque clocked the fastest time of 1 minute 41.365 seconds to claim his fourth consecutive pole position in Baku. Team-mate Carlos Sainz was third with the McLaren of Oscar Piastri splitting the Ferrari cars in second, 0.321 behind Leclerc.

Norris, meanwhile, arrived in Baku with the aim of closing the 62-point gap to championship leader Max Verstappen. But the British driver had a scrappy run and his last flying lap was interrupted due to a yellow flag. He qualified way back in 17th.

Three-time defending champion Verstappen was only sixth as his task of ending a winless run of six races became even more difficult.