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George Russell Leads Azerbaijan GP Practice as Antonelli Suffers Hydraulic Failure

Posted : 24 September 2026

George Russell set the fastest time for Mercedes in the opening practice session of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Thursday, finishing ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Russell posted a 1:45.387 around the Baku City Circuit, beating Verstappen by 0.400 seconds, while Leclerc was just 0.004 seconds behind the Red Bull driver.

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli ended the session fifth fastest despite completing only nine laps. The Mercedes driver initially moved to the top of the timesheets with a 1:46.265 before stopping at Turn 7 after reporting a hydraulic problem, bringing out the Virtual Safety Car.

Hamilton finished fourth for Ferrari, while Oscar Piastri was sixth for McLaren. Lando Norris endured a difficult session and finished 14th after experiencing problems with his car, limiting him to 14 laps.

Isack Hadjar also faced a troubled return to the Red Bull car after recovering from his wrist injury. The French driver reported braking difficulties and an engine-related issue, completing only eight laps and ending the session 20th.

The session became progressively faster as more rubber was laid down on the Baku track. Russell eventually moved ahead of Verstappen after benefiting from a tow from Fernando Alonso, while several drivers had moments of difficulty, including Verstappen locking up at Turn One.

With Russell leading Mercedes, Verstappen close behind and both Ferraris within half a second of the benchmark, the opening practice provided a competitive start to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend.

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