McLaren's Lando Norris has topped last follow forward of an unpredictable qualifying for Formulation 1's Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
On a gusty Baku avenue circuit, Norris set his benchmark time in direction of the top of the session whereas a number of rivals slipped up.
Ultimate follow obtained off to a leisurely begin on the low-grip avenue circuit, which noticed a layer of autumn leaves strewn on the observe. The 6km avenue format, which instructions low downforce ranges, was made further sketchy by the gusts of crosswind coming from the Caspian sea.
Haas driver Oliver Bearman was on prime early on with a 1m44s on hards till McLaren's Norris set a 1m43.640s on softs, nonetheless far faraway from Friday's one-lap occasions. Charles Leclerc was on the right track to demolish that point till he went off the observe within the last nook.
Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton went deep into Flip 15, having to carry out a 180-degree spin to rejoin the racing floor, however then went on to seize prime spot with a 1m42.988s.
The seven-time world champion was quickly demoted by Leclerc as soon as extra, with Piastri and each Williams automobiles additionally discovering the highest 5 across the midway level of the one-hour session.
Max Verstappen, Purple Bull Racing
Photograph by: Ozan Kose / AFP through Getty Photographs
Verstappen took second as a part of an extended stint on gentle tyres after which discovered extra time on the identical set to take prime with a 1m41.727s, which was nonetheless 4 tenths slower than Hamilton's FP2 benchmark from Friday.
However Verstappen would not keep there for lengthy as inside the ultimate quarter-hour your entire area got here again out for qualifying simulations on new tyres.
Norris was the primary frontrunner to indicate his hand, clocking the quickest time of the weekend with a 1m41.223s on softs. Reigning world champion Verstappen conceded two tenths after a detailed brush with the wall.
The ultimate salvo of runs coincided with the wind selecting up energy, which inevitably invited varied errors on the difficult avenue circuit.
Championship chief Oscar Piastri endured a messy finish to the session, aborting one lap after an enormous slide in Flip 4 earlier than sliding off the highway at Flip 1 on the next tour. The Australian's third try was extra profitable, taking third, three tenths behind Norris and Verstappen.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who's determined for a clear weekend efficiency after a poor Monza displaying, had a strong session for Mercedes in fifth, forward of Alex Albon, who additionally seemed aggressive within the Williams.
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Photograph by: Ozan Kose / AFP through Getty Photographs
Bearman confirmed a strong begin to the weekend in seventh, whereas within the second Mercedes George Russell rued set-up modifications that made him “lock up at each nook” as he claimed eighth, eight tenths behind Norris.
Liam Lawson recovered from a 360-degree spin within the crosswind affected Flip 15 to take a top-10 slot on ninth.
Leclerc, who has taken the final 4 pole positions in Baku, struggled to get a clear lap collectively and will solely handle tenth regardless of the pace Ferrari had proven on Friday.
Qualifying for the Azerbaijan GP kicks off at 16:00 native time.
