Azerbaijan GP: George Russell fastest in second practice ahead of Kimi Antonelli in dominant start in Baku | F1 News
George Russell completed an impressive practice double as he outpaced title-leading team-mate Kimi Antonelli in a dominant start to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend.
Mercedes’ Russell built on the form that had seen him top the day’s earlier first practice session to stay at the head of the timesheet, this time finishing with a half-second advantage around the challenging streets of Baku.
Antonelli, who leads Russell by 81 points in the chase for 2026’s Drivers’ Championship, experienced a compromised Thursday owing to the hydraulic leak that stopped his car midway through the opening session.
The Italian returned to the track with just over 30 minutes of the second session left, after an engine change, and worked his way up to second on the timesheet, eventually finishing 0.552s behind Russell.
“We lost quite a few laps in FP1 and missing half of FP2 is never ideal, especially on a street circuit,” said Antonelli.
“Overall, I feel like it was a good recovery. I feel quite good in the car. A few things to work on but looking forward to tomorrow.”
Max Verstappen took third to end a promising opening day in an upgraded Red Bull car, although his deficit to the front was 0.8s.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson was not pleased with Lewis Hamilton after a near miss during the second practice session at the Azerbaijan GP.
Everyone else was over a second off the pace, including the Ferraris and McLarens. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were fourth and fifth respectively, with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri sixth and eighth.
Norris described McLaren’s deficit to the front as “pretty pants”.
Pierre Gasly was seventh for Alpine with the returning Isack Hadjar ninth for Red Bull and Esteban Ocon, whose Haas seat appears set to go elsewhere for 2027, 10th quickest.
Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad brought out Thursday’s only red flag when he crashed in the narrow castle section of the challenging Baku lap.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Arvid Lindblad hits the barriers at the tight castle chicane during P2 at the Azerbaijan GP.
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1’s Azerbaijan GP live schedule
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place around the Baku City Circuit
Friday September 25
5.10am: F2 Sprint*
9.15am: Azerbaijan GP Practice Three (session starts at 9.30am)*
11.10am: F2 Feature Race 1*
12.30pm: Azerbaijan GP Qualifying build-up*
1PM: AZERBAIJAN GP QUALIFYING*
3pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Saturday September 26
7.55am: F2 Feature Race 2
10.30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Azerbaijan GP build-up*
12PM: THE AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX*
2pm: Chequered Flag: Azerbaijan GP reaction*
3pm: Ted’s Notebook*
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Racing on a Saturday! The 2026 Formula 1 season continues live on Sky Sports F1 this week as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix kicks off a triple-header of races, with the Baku race taking place on Saturday at midday. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
