Norris suffers shock early exit in Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying

Lando Norris' F1 drivers' championship hopes suffered a major blow following a disastrous qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Norris will start 17th at the Baku Street Circuit, the McLaren driver's first Q1 exit since last year's inaugural race in Las Vegas.

As the track ramped up throughout the initial session, and as the times rapidly improved, on his final flying lap attempt, Norris was caught out by a yellow flag in the final sector.

Norris was safely on course to make it into Q2 given the Briton's times through the first two sectors.

But a slowing Esteban Ocon in his Alpine brought out the yellow flags, and as Norris approached the sector he was forced to lift as per the regulations.

The Briton headed straight into the pit lane rather than complete the lap, leaving him in a miserable position to start the grand prix, albeit on a track where overtaking is possible.

"I had to lift," confirmed Norris, who goes into the race 62 points adrift of championship leader Max Verstappen.

"It is what it is. A long race ahead, we have some good tyres in the bank. I'm still hopeful we can get a good result. The car is quick.

"I think the lap I was on I would have gone second. A bit frustrating but I think I can do well."