Verstappen to Start Baku Sprint from Position Field after Qualifying Struggles
baku, Azerbaijan – Max verstappen faces a challenge to defend his recent Monza victory as he will start the Baku sprint race from a compromised position after a challenging qualifying session. The Red Bull driver’s final stage demolition meant he will begin the race in 10th place.
Lewis Hamilton fared even worse, failing to reach Q3 and starting from 12th. Simultaneously occurring, McLaren drivers will attempt to defend their constructors’ cup lead, though Oscar Piastri will start ninth and Lando Norris only two places ahead in seventh. McLaren needs to score nine more points than Ferrari in the race,while Mercedes cannot gain more than 12 and Red Bull more than 33,if the British team is to secure their first team title since 1991.
The 2025 Formula 1 season began on March 16th with the Australian Grand Prix and concludes December 7th in Abu Dhabi,with Verstappen defending his rider’s championship against competition from McLaren.
