Leclerc subject of mesmerising claim after Baku pole success

Former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok believes Charles Leclerc is the "best qualifier" in the sport after the Ferrari driver secured Pole Position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The Scuderia has struggled to impose its presence at the front of the field this season with Aston Martin and Mercedes showing greater pace across a race distance in each of the opening three rounds of the campaign.

Despite the lack of competitive edge, however, Leclerc has impressed over one lap, finishing second-fastest in qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix before taking a 10-place grid drop.

But Red Bull's perfect run in qualifying this year came to an end by virtue of the Monegasque's stunning effort at the Baku City Circuit - a lap that earned Leclerc a hat-trick of poles in the Azeri capital, his 19th in F1 and first since Singapore last year.

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have been the drivers to beat in terms of raw pace in recent times, yet Chandhok has placed Leclerc above both World Champions on current form.

Speaking on commentary duty for Sky Sports F1, the former HRT and Team Lotus driver said: "I genuinely think over one lap, he is the fastest driver we have in Formula 1.

"His ability to extract that extra grip on fresh tyres for one lap is immense. I do think he is the best qualifier we have on the grid right now."