The chances of Max Verstappen’s World Championship rival Lando Norris catching up at the Formula 1 race in Baku are increasing. Because record world champion Lewis Hamilton is starting from the pit lane due to an engine change on his Mercedes and Alpine driver Pierre Gasly was penalized at the back of the field, Norris has moved up two starting positions. The McLaren driver will therefore start the Grand Prix of Azerbaijan today (1:00 p.m./RTL and Sky) in 15th place and can hope for important points in the World Championship duel with defending champion Verstappen.
Norris had botched the qualification on Saturday and was eliminated in the first round in 17th place. Verstappen also experienced disappointment in sixth place. The Red Bull driver is 62 points ahead of Norris in the overall standings with eight races to go, but his team has been in poor form for weeks.
Illegal engine swap for Lewis Hamilton
Norris had already won a starting position on Saturday evening. The race stewards discovered a rule violation on Gasly’s Alpine, whose fuel system briefly worked irregularly. Instead of starting in 13th place, the Frenchman now has to start from the very back.
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Mercedes decided to completely replace the engine parts of Hamilton, who qualified in seventh place. Because this is the Briton’s fifth new engine this year and only four engines are allowed, Hamilton will start the 17th race of the season from the pit lane. Ferrari star Charles Leclerc will start from pole position.
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