Critical Max Verstappen decision revealed after being 'mentally on the edge'

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that Max Verstappen made the crucial decision to switch to soft tyres for his pole position lap, in an Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying which had everyone "mentally on the edge". 

Strong gusts of wind, light rain and six red flags featured in a chaotic qualifying at the Baku City Circuit, which saw most of the drivers in Q3 without a lap time set heading into the final few minutes. 

In the end, it was the four-time world champion who mastered the tricky conditions to secure pole after taking the decision of what tyres to run into his own hands.

"There were so many interruptions, yellow flags and red flags," Marko explained to Sky DE. "In the end it was Max who decided which type of tyre to use. 

"At the first attempt I think it could have been done with medium tyres as well, but at the end it was the right choice to give everything on soft tyres, even though according to our calculations those tyres were not faster."

The 27-year-old navigated a qualifying session filled with multiple interruptions to claim pole, earning high praise from Marko for both his driving skills and smart decision-making.

Marko was particularly impressed by Verstappen's mental strength throughout the chaotic session, which took 118 minutes to complete – 45 minutes longer than the Italian GP.

"Through all those breaks, raindrops, no raindrops... this was mentally on the edge," Marko observed. 

"We already saw during Friday's practice sessions that we can compete at the front, and we built it up gradually. Our tyre strategy for the race is a bit mixed up now, though, because we had to use more tyres than planned."

Despite Red Bull's tyre plan for the race now being up in the air, Marko is confident Verstappen can convert pole into back-to-back victories.

"I still think we have a good chance," added Marko. "From the start to the first corner it is relatively short, so I think there is no danger of being overtaken in the slipstream. 

"So I'm completely satisfied. And above all, we have four cars in the top ten."