Charles Leclerc took pole and led the first half of the race in Azerbaijan, while Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr won in Singapore last year. Both the Baku circuit and the Marina Bay layout suit Ferrari’s car best but McLaren have proven they have the pace to win on tracks which are far from tailor-made for the MCL38.

However, the nature of the yellow flag also left McLaren seeking clarification from the FIA as to why it was shown. It was costly for Norris and, potentially, his championship hopes as Verstappen bids to widen the 62-point gap on Sunday from sixth on the grid.

Lando Norris admitted his frustration over an unfair yellow flag incident in qualifying at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, while Oscar Piastri secured victory.