FP1: Russell leads opening Azerbaijan GP practice from Verstappen as Antonelli suffers hydraulic issue

George Russell finished fastest in Free Practice 1 ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver leading Max Verstappen as Kimi Antonelli's session was cut short by a mechanical issue, according to Formula 1 official website.

Russell topped the opening one-hour session after posting a 1m 45.387s, leaving him four tenths clear of Verstappen, as Ferrari's Charles Leclerc completed the top three.

Russell's effort remained fastest at the chequered flag, with Verstappen just fractionally ahead of Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, the Ferrari drivers setting their times with the medium tyre.

Antonelli remained fifth fastest despite missing the second half of the session, from Piastri who also lost some track time as McLaren repaired issues with his car.

The Racing Bulls of Liam Lawson and Lindblad, Esteban Ocon (Haas) and the Audi of Gabriel Bortoleto completed the top 10.

The second Audi of Hulkenberg was P11, from the Williams duo of Sainz and Alex Albon, with Lando Norris only P14 after missing most of the session with an issue as McLaren suffered a difficult session.

Ollie Bearman (Haas) in P15 led Pierre Gasly (Alpine), Sergio Perez's Cadillac, Franco Colapinto's Alpine and Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin).

Hadjar was only P20 as he suffered with a power unit issue that restricted his running, while the order was completed by the Aston Martin of Lance Stroll and Cadillac of Valtteri Bottas.

Stabil.Az