Russell Leads Both Baku Practice Sessions as Antonelli Recovers in FP2
George Russell topped both Thursday practice sessions for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, setting the quickest time of the day in the second hour around Baku’s street circuit. The Mercedes driver recorded a 1m 43.347s lap on soft tyres in FP2, 0.552 seconds ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli. Max Verstappen finished third, 0.827 seconds off Russell.
Antonelli’s recovery to second came after a difficult start to the weekend. A hydraulic problem curtailed his first session, and Mercedes’ subsequent work on the car delayed his appearance in FP2. He nevertheless completed 15 laps and posted a 1m 43.899s best.
The second session was interrupted when Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad hit the barriers in Baku’s narrow castle section, bringing out a red flag. The driver emerged unhurt. Haas driver Oliver Bearman later stopped in an escape road after reporting that his engine had switched off.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton placed fourth and fifth, followed by Lando Norris. Russell had also led the opening practice hour with a 1m 45.387s lap. The teams have one more practice session before qualifying, while the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is scheduled for Saturday. Practice times show the early pace but do not decide the starting grid.
