DRIVER SPOTLIGHT: Leclerc’s Azerbaijan GP qualifying record shows why he is one of the greatest qualifiers of his generation

Formula 1 heads to the streets of Baku for the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and one storyline has already captured the imagination of fans: Charles Leclerc’s dominance in qualifying at this circuit. The Ferrari driver has secured four consecutive pole positions at the Baku City Circuit — a record that not only highlights his precision but also raises the question: is Leclerc the best qualifier in Azerbaijan GP history?

Four Poles in Baku: A Historic Streak

Leclerc’s run of poles began in 2021 and has continued uninterrupted through 2024. That means every time Formula 1 has visited Baku in the last four years, the front row has been led by a Ferrari with Leclerc at the wheel.

In total:

• 2021: Leclerc stunned with a late lap in a chaotic qualifying session full of red flags.

• 2022: He delivered again, narrowly beating Red Bull in what was one of Ferrari’s strongest Saturday displays that year.

• 2023: Despite Ferrari’s mixed pace, Leclerc edged Verstappen and Pérez for another pole.

• 2024: He cemented his reputation, once more putting his car on top against quicker race-day rivals.

That brings him to four Baku poles in a row. No other driver in the history of the Azerbaijan GP has achieved more than one pole at the circuit, which has only been on the calendar since 2016.

Where Does That Rank All-Time?

While the Azerbaijan GP is still young compared to classic venues like Monza, Monaco, or Silverstone, Leclerc’s feat is unmatched at this particular track. Here’s how his Baku record stacks up:

• Charles Leclerc – 4 poles (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)

• All other drivers combined – 5 poles (Rosberg 2016, Hamilton 2017, Vettel 2018, Bottas 2019, Verstappen 2020)

That means Leclerc alone has almost as many poles in Baku as all other drivers combined since the race began. It’s not just dominance; it’s historical separation. In terms of qualifying consistency at a single venue, it recalls legends like Ayrton Senna at Monaco or Michael Schumacher at Suzuka.

Why Is Leclerc So Good Here?

Several factors help explain Leclerc’s incredible Baku record:

Qualifying Specialist
Leclerc has long been recognized as one of F1’s best one-lap drivers. His ability to maximize grip, thread the car through tight margins, and deliver under pressure suits Baku’s high-risk layout perfectly.

Ferrari’s Saturday Form
Even when Ferrari has lacked race pace, their qualifying setups have often been strong. Leclerc and his engineers seem able to extract everything from the SF-series cars over one lap in Baku.

Adaptability Under Chaos
Baku qualifying sessions are notorious for red flags and disrupted rhythm. Leclerc has thrived under these conditions, staying cool when others falter.

Can He Make It Five?

Heading into the 2025 Azerbaijan GP, Leclerc has a chance to extend his streak to five consecutive poles. That would not only cement his status as the undisputed “King of Baku Qualifying” but also set a record unlikely to be broken for decades at this circuit.

The Competition

• McLaren (Oscar Piastri & Lando Norris): McLaren’s package has been the class of the field in 2025. Both drivers have taken multiple poles this year, and they will be the biggest threat to Leclerc’s run.

• Red Bull (Max Verstappen): After what Helmut Marko described as a “rebirth” in Monza, Verstappen is expected to challenge strongly in Baku. His street-circuit pedigree means he’s always dangerous.

• Mercedes (Geroge Russell): Mercedes have shown improvement in recent races, but they remain outsiders for pole unless chaos intervenes.

Ferrari’s Outlook

Ferrari’s updates have generally given them a qualifying boost, though the gap to McLaren over race distance remains significant. Baku’s mix of long straights and technical corners means Ferrari will need to balance drag reduction with stability. But if there’s one driver who can squeeze a car beyond its natural level in qualifying, it’s Leclerc.

What’s at Stake

If Leclerc secures pole again this weekend:

• He’ll extend his record to five consecutive poles in Baku.

• He’ll solidify his reputation as one of the greatest qualifiers of his generation.

• It could give Ferrari a vital morale boost in their ongoing battle to stay competitive in 2025.

But even if he doesn’t take P1, Leclerc’s record here already places him in rarefied air. Few drivers in history have made one circuit their own quite like he has with Baku.

Final Thoughts

So, is Charles Leclerc the best qualifier in Azerbaijan GP history? The answer is a resounding yes. Four poles in a row, unmatched consistency, and the ability to deliver under chaotic conditions make his claim undeniable.

The only question left is whether he can make it five this weekend. With McLaren and Red Bull breathing down his neck, it won’t be easy. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that when Saturday comes in Baku, Charles Leclerc finds another gear.