By: Last time out, we discussed a concept that, after qualifying for the Azerbaijan GP, we are forced to dismiss. We had been left with the mere illusion that the leading pack appeared to be converging in performance. The gaps were close, but the pecking order remained clearly defined according to the different types of circuit.
The leading pack splits
Baku qualifying, however, came as a bolt from the blue for the top teams. Russell’s performance not only proved us wrong but, worse still, dealt the teams such a blow that it brought down the entire house of cards they had been building.
Seeing Russell gain three to four tenths over Ferrari and McLaren between Turns 12 and 16, before taking another three to four tenths on the main straight alone, says a great deal about the potential of Mercedes.
In the race, in our view, George only risked losing first place to Verstappen because Max managed the Soft C5 compound better. Perhaps things would have been different on another tyre.
Mind the Gap
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The bigger picture
If Russell’s qualifying performance is set aside, the situation returns more or less to normal. Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren are separated by around 150 thousandths. Then comes an excellent Alpine, around seven tenths behind the Prancing Horse. Further back are Williams, Haas and VCARB, covered by three tenths. Audi is behind, alone at 3.2 seconds off Mercedes. Aston Martin and Cadillac complete the standings, both around four seconds adrift.
Looking at the gaps between team-mates, the widest margins are between Russell and Antonelli, Perez and Bottas, and Alonso and Stroll. All the others can be described as ‘’fairly close’’.
Cover photo by Finlay Williams / WHYOUT Images
All the news, photos, weather, session times and times from the Azerbaijan GP 2026
