20/09/2025 10:03
Ferrari quick — but eyes on an orange surge
Charles Leclerc cautioned that McLaren will likely come roaring back in qualifying despite a messy FP2, where Lando Norris clipped the wall and Oscar Piastri also had a brush that cost track time. Ferrari delivered a strong practice showing, but Leclerc — a four-time polesitter in Baku qualifying — expects McLaren to be the benchmark.
Reading the pace picture
Leclerc suggested McLaren has more in hand than the timesheets showed, noting that eye-catching laps went unfinished. He kept hopes high for Ferrari but tempered expectations about a straight fight for pole if McLaren executes clean runs.
What could decide qualifying
- McLaren’s recovery and execution under pressure.
- Ferrari’s ability to convert practice rhythm into one-lap peak.
- Tyre prep in a weekend dominated by C6 vs. C5 trade-offs.
Expect qualifying to spring surprises — but Leclerc’s warning: don’t count McLaren out.
