P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz’s pole near-miss at Formula 1’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix was no fluke, with its roots in recent efforts Williams has made to cure a key weakness
Carlos Sainz’s near-miss pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was not a fluke, but a result of recent efforts by Williams to address a key weakness. Sainz set the fastest time in Baku Q3 amid chaos caused by red flags, with few rivals having completed laps due to the disruptions. Despite Max Verstappen eventually securing pole position, Sainz’s performance on track showed his initial success was not merely luck. The Baku circuit’s characteristics, favoring Williams’ strengths, offered the team an opportunity to shine, guided by strategic decisions like tyre selections and track positioning. Williams’ precise execution and strategic choices allowed Sainz to capitalize on the unique circumstances and nearly secure a surprising pole position.
