Ferrari P3 and P4 on medium tyres in Azerbaijan GP FP1 as Russell tops disrupted Baku session

Mercedes driver George Russell finished fastest in the opening practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, ahead of Max Verstappen in second. Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton took third and fourth place, respectively, setting their fastest laps on medium tires while rivals used the soft compound.

The session was interrupted by technical issues and Virtual Safety Cars, with Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris completing few laps due to mechanical problems. McLaren introduced a major aerodynamic upgrade on the MCL40, while Ferrari evaluated whether to introduce a new power unit for Leclerc later in the weekend.