F1 Azerbaijan GP: “As Verstappen did last year,” Charles Leclerc’s Baku pole triggers outlandish fan theories of Ferrari championship triumph

Charles Leclerc clinched his 19th career pole position at Baku on Friday, igniting speculation of a title charge

F1 Azerbaijan GP: “As Verstappen did last year,” Charles Leclerc’s Baku pole triggers outlandish fan theories of Ferrari championship triumph

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc

Qualifying at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was a nail-biting affair, leaving teams and fans alike glued to their seats, awaiting the results in suspense. The possibilities at a stunning street circuit like Baku know no bounds, with the venue being a source of peak entertainment and shock results for several years, with this year being no different.

The 4-week gap between the Australian and Azerbaijan GP was filled with speculation and rumors, along with assurances made by team bosses of better results. Ferrari is one such team that has lived up to its word and shown its prowess on the track. Charles Leclerc outperformed the grid when he took a stunning pole on Friday, beating the likes of favorites Max Verstappen and Red Bull. This is the third consecutive pole Leclerc has taken at Baku. It is instrumental in raising his team’s morale for the upcoming races, giving them the confidence they desperately need.

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The impressive pole by the Ferrari driver has prompted some wild fan theories on the 2023 Championship battle, and F1 podcast host Matt Gallagher has the wildest one. He took to Twitter to draw a parallel with Verstappen’s situation last year, saying, “Charles Leclerc DNF’ed the same two races this year as Verstappen did last… He has now taken pole for round 4. UNIVERSE… DO YOUR THING!!!!”. He is one of those who claim that since Verstappen was subject to the same circumstances the preceding year and was crowned champion, Leclerc could be on course to do so too.

This surprise pole position by the Monegasque superstar has fans in a frenzy, drawing conclusions and parallels, and has reignited their title hopes for him. Several are invoking the identical situation of current champion Max Verstappen at this stage in the prior season, believing a comeback for Charles Leclerc is on the charts and of course, the title. The Ferrari number one was tipped to be champion last season until overwhelmed by the Dutchman. However, this season fans are hoping for the opposite and believe that with the exemplary pace displayed by the Scuderia in qualifying, they can challenge Red Bull for the crown.

Related: F1 Azerbaijan GP: “We tried something different,” Max Verstappen remains optimistic despite losing pole to Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc is in the same situation Max Verstappen was in last year

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc
Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc

With Charles Leclerc taking the pole in stunning fashion by two-tenths of a second, fans believe Ferrari has the edge over Red Bull. Max Verstappen, in 2022, was subject to synonymous circumstances at this very stage and went on to win the title. He had suffered a retirement at the premiere in Bahrain, along with one at Albert Park. This year, the Monegasque prodigy has replicated this, inspiring fans of a title charge.

The situation is as dire as Leclerc finds himself in, has been averted by Verstappen last year. Those who are superstitious believe that this is a sign and that history will repeat itself, sparking hope and theories of a title for him among supporters. The two shared exciting battles last year, which were a joy to witness. Leclerc is no stranger to being an ardent fighter on track, and in every encounter between the challenger and the Dutchman, the gloves come off.

Leclerc has currently only amassed 6 points this season, courtesy of his misfortunes, along with mediocre machinery. He stands 63 points behind Verstappen. However, with Ferrari utilizing the break well to rectify their issues, writing off the superstar would be a mistake, given Formula One is a highly unpredictable sport. No advantage can be taken for granted, with the potential and talent Leclerc is gifted with, despite his becoming world champion looking unrealistic.

With points up for grabs in the sprint, it gives Leclerc a golden opportunity to claw some points back, and given the new sprint format, he will be starting at the front of the grid come Sunday. The key is for him and Ferrari to harness this pole position and use it as momentum to put them on an upper trajectory for the races to come and pressure their rivals.

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