KING CHARLES

Merc-linked Leclerc pips Verstappen to earn third Baku pole in row

- SIMON CASS

LEWIS HAMILTON saw the man linked with his Mercedes seat plant his Ferrari on pole position for tomorrow's Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc produced a stunning lap to pip Max Verstappen by 0.188 seconds and take his third pole in a row around the streets of Baku.

As for Hamilton (right), with major upgrades to his Mercedes not due until next month, he had to settle for fifth on the grid while teammate George Russell will start down in 11th after failing to make Q3.

"This is not the position we want as a team," conceded Hamilton. "We exist to win. We haven't had an upgrade this weekend.

"We're working towards one that will hopefully put us a little bit closer to the battle ahead.