Verstappen: It was just a stupid qualifying

It could be said that today Ferrari's Charles Leclerc stole pole position from Verstappen and Red Bull, as Lady Luck was not wearing Blue as a flurry of incidents in the final minutes of Q3 denied most drivers a second shot at improving their times.

After the chaotic session, Verstappen was irked when he told reporters: "It was just a stupid qualifying, to be honest. It is what it is though, we're still P3. Our car is still strong so let's see what we can do for the race. Let's hope for a clean start, three different cars at the front which is always good to have."

Later he added in the team report: “Of course I’m not that happy as I was very confident we could fight for pole here as we have felt good throughout the weekend but qualifying was pretty scrappy with all the red flags and the one at the end of Q3 stopped us all improving.

"It is what it is and it’s unfortunate but it’s a fast street circuit and these things can happen. Of course, I would have liked to start further ahead but P3 isn’t so bad. We know we have a good car so it’s still all to play for and we can fight from there.

"As you can see from qualifying a lot of things can happen around this circuit so let’s hope we can have a clean start and then put the pressure on.

"With three different teams at the front, it should also be a pretty interesting race strategy wise as well and it is also about keeping your tyres alive.

"We are still up there so let’s see what we can do tomorrow," added Verstappen who has two DNFs and a fourth-place finish in his three previous visits to Baku; the Dutchman will be looking to increase his four points lead in the championship standings.

Teammate Sergio Perez also had his final effort scuppered, his first effort was only good for seventh: "Today was a big shame as we’ve shown all weekend we have very good pace but today we didn’t put the lap together when it really mattered.

"Tomorrow is a long race and there is plenty to play for so we need to get our heads down and make sure we deliver. I think we have a very strong car underneath us so a podium has to be the target," affirmed the Mexican.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner added: "It was frustrating not to get that last run in Q3 as Max was improving and in with the chance of a tow at the end of the lap but that’s life and it was the same for everyone.

"Likewise for Sergio, he was banking on his second Q3 lap to show the pace he’s had here all weekend but we’re still in good shape starting P3 and P7. Our car has been quick here this weekend and overtaking is possible at this track so it should make for an exciting Grand Prix and strategy will be key.

"It’s still all to play for and I’m sure Checo will make progress quickly in the race so that we’re able to make the most of the opportunities in front of us tomorrow," declared Horner, whose team lead Mercedes by one point after five rounds. (Additional reporting Agnes Carlier)