Azerbaijan GP qualifying result to change as F1 stewards set to disqualify star

The Formula 1 stewards are set to disqualify Esteban Ocon from qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Post-race checks on the Frenchman's Haas car found that it did not comply with the sport's technical regulations and so the matter has been referred to the stewards.

It was after the session had concluded that FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer discovered the irregularity. A statement read: "A rear wing main plane tip deflection test according to TR Article 3.15.17 was carried out on Car 31 [Ocon]. The deflection figures measured on this rear wing exceeded the allowed deflection of 0.5mm. Therefore I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration."

It was soon confirmed that the stewards were investigating the matter and Ocon was summoned to a hearing. It is highly likely that he will be disqualified from the session and have to start Sunday's Baku race dead last.

In truth, that will make little difference to his chances of scoring points after a difficult qualifying for Haas. Ocon had qualified down in 18th place with only Pierre Gasly, who had to abandon his final flying lap, and Alex Albon, who crashed out, below him on the timesheets.

It did not got much better for his team-mate Oliver Bearman, who could only steer the other Haas to 15th on the grid. It was a chaotic session for everyone with six red flags - a new record for a Grand Prix qualifying session in F1 history - while qualifying took two hours overall from start to finish.

In the end, Max Verstappen was the one at the top of the timesheets. Several big names fell victim to the chaos and that allowed for a very mixed-up starting grid for Sunday's race, with Carlos Sainz a surprise starter on the front row alongside Verstappen in his Williams.

Championship leader Oscar Piastri was one of those who crashed out, presenting McLaren team-mate and title rival Lando Norris with the opportunity to take a chunk out of his lead at the top of the standings. But the Brit could not capitalised and only qualified seventh, meaning he will start Sunday's race just two places ahead of Piastri.

Charles Leclerc also crashed out in Q3, while Lewis Hamilton did not even get that far. The seven-time champion was overruled by Ferrari on a tyre decision and he paid the price, managing to only go 12th fastest in Q2 and failing to book his place in the top 10.