Azerbaijan GP, George Russell tops FP1: dramatic session with yellow flags and VSCs
Russell Sets the Pace as Baku FP1 Delivers Chaos
George Russell asserted his dominance at the opening of the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, claiming the fastest time in Free Practice 1. Amidst a session defined by mechanical failures and technical disruptions, the Mercedes driver secured a commanding 1:45.387, finishing four-tenths of a second ahead of Max Verstappen.
Mercedes Split Fortunes in Baku
While Russell found immediate rhythm, his teammate Kimi Antonelli endured a frustrating start to the weekend. The championship leader’s session was cut short after just 25 minutes due to a suspected hydraulic problem. The incident saw smoke billowing from the W17 as Antonelli was forced to park his car at Turn 7, triggering a virtual safety car.
Despite the early setback, Russell showed his resilience. After the VSC period, he narrowly avoided a trip into the run-off at Turn 3 before setting the benchmark that would withstand the closing stages of the session. 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: all you need to know about the circuit highlights just how unforgiving this street track can be.
Technical Struggles and Red Bull Complications
The session was far from smooth for the rest of the grid. Isack Hadjar, returning to the Red Bull cockpit, suffered a significant blow to his comeback. The Frenchman reported his engine was “broken” over the radio, forcing an early end to his running.
Max Verstappen also faced challenges, navigating difficulties with the car's behavior, though he still managed to sit second on the timing sheets. Meanwhile, the McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris struggled to find pace, ending the session in P10 and P15 respectively, following concerns over potential radiator damage.
A Session of High Drama
Beyond the frontrunners, the session was punctuated by high-tension moments:
- Carlos Sainz experienced a frightening moment when his Williams pulled into the pits with a rear set on fire.
- Alex Albon reported “very strange” braking sensations in his sister car.
- Multiple Virtual Safety Cars were deployed, including one involving Arvid Lindblad and Nico Hulkenberg.
As the field prepares for qualifying, the technical reliability of several key cars remains a primary concern for the teams heading into the remainder of the weekend.
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.