P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A record-breaking six red flags were flown during qualifying in Baku, due to conditions which pushed the drivers to their limit.
During qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz highlighted the “extra risk” felt by the F1 grid due to challenging conditions that pushed even the “best drivers in the world” to their limits.
The session witnessed six crashes at Baku City Circuit, attributed to strong winds and light rain that created chaos on the track.
With a record-breaking six red flags and a lengthy 118-minute duration, the qualifying session tested the drivers’ skills and adaptability under adverse circumstances.
Crashes involving top drivers like Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri underscored the unpredictable nature of the conditions that caught out even the most skilled competitors.
This challenging environment provided opportunities for midfield drivers like Sainz and Liam Lawson, who capitalized by securing surprising second and third positions on the grid, respectively.
Sainz emphasized that the conditions made it possible to crash even without mistakes, posing a significant hurdle for the drivers to navigate cautiously yet competitively.
Acknowledging the tough conditions, Sainz praised the drivers’ resilience and skill in overcoming the adversity during the qualifying session, ultimately finding the experience both challenging and enjoyable.
