F1 live: the Azerbaijan GP begins, Ferrari chasing comeback in Baku – live coverage

Ferrari are determined to fight back in the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, while Andrea Kimi Antonelli has his sights set on the podium. Follow our live coverage, straight from the streets of Baku.

Formula 1 returns to action in the heart of the Azerbaijani capital for a race that promises high drama and intense battles. Ferrari will need to work hard to recover from a tough qualifying session, while fans can expect plenty of twists and turns. On Saturday, Max Verstappen claimed pole position, starting ahead of Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson. The first McLaren, that of Lando Norris, will only line up seventh, while the two Ferraris are down in tenth and twelfth place on the grid.

Qualifying in Baku was as chaotic and dramatic as ever. The session was marked by several red flags, aborted laps, and constant surprises. The first big name to fall was Lewis Hamilton, eliminated in Q2 despite an encouraging performance on Friday. Later, Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri both hit the barriers in Q3, bringing further tension. In the end, it was Max Verstappen who prevailed once again, managing to beat the time set by Carlos Sainz despite less-than-perfect conditions on track.

The stage is now set for an unpredictable race, as is often the case on the demanding streets of Baku. Andrea Kimi Antonelli impressed on Saturday, outperforming his teammate and securing a spot on the second row. For the young driver from Bologna, there is a real chance of claiming the second podium finish of his Formula 1 career. He will be hoping to rediscover the sparkle and momentum that many believe he has been missing in recent races.

Live coverage of the Azerbaijan GP

The lights will go out in Baku at 13:00 Central European Time (CET). The live coverage of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will begin right here in the video below, keeping you updated lap by lap from start to finish.