Max Verstappen claimed pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on the streets of Baku in an extraordinary, chaotic qualifying session interrupted by six red-flag stoppages. Bar the Red Bull driver, the leading protagonists were all found wanting as Carlos Sainz took an unexpected second place for Williams and Liam Lawson a third for Racing Bulls. Driver after driver was caught out in the long session, including a remarkable unforced error from Oscar Piastri.