Leclerc crashes out of Baku qualifying

The 21-year-old Monegasque had looked favourite to take pole position, for the second time in four races, but locked up and ploughed into the barriers at turn eight during the second phase of an already-interrupted session.

Poland's Robert Kubica had earlier crashed his Williams at the same tight corner around the walls of Baku's old city, forcing a 30-minute delay to mend the barriers.

"I am stupid, I am stupid," said a dejected Leclerc over the team radio, before stepping out of the car and returning to the garage.