Leclerc beats Verstappen to pole for Azerbaijan Grand Prix

BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — Charles Leclerc and Ferrari can start to hope again. Leclerc beat Max Verstappen in qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to end Red Bull’s streak of pole positions in Formula One this season. Leclerc and Verstappen had the exact same time midway through the final session of qualifying before both improved on their final runs. Leclerc went faster by 0.188 seconds in his Ferrari. Leclerc says “it’s going to be difficult to keep the lead.” Red Bull driver Sergio Perez was third, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr. was fourth and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton was fifth in his Mercedes.