2026 Azerbaijan GP: Russell fastest in FP1
George Russell led Azerbaijan GP FP1 from Max Verstappen, while Mercedes team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli lost running with a reported issue.
George Russell set the pace in first practice for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Formula1.com, BBC Sport, Autosport and Motorsport.com all reported that Russell finished ahead of Max Verstappen, with Autosport and Motorsport.com listing Russell’s best lap as 1m45.387s.
Mercedes did not get a clean session on both cars. Formula1.com reported that Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s running was cut short by a mechanical issue, while BBC Sport said he stopped on track and RaceFans reported the problem as hydraulic.
The session opened a weekend with Antonelli leading the drivers’ championship on 292 points and Russell second on 211. Verstappen arrived sixth in the standings on 145 points, while Russell’s latest benchmark added to a Formula 1 record that now stands at 161 starts and seven wins.
- Russell fastest in Azerbaijan FP1 as Antonelli suffers issue - Formula1.com
- Russell fastest in Baku as Antonelli stops on track - BBC Sport
- F1 Azerbaijan GP: Russell fastest in first practice as Antonelli's Mercedes breaks down - Autosport
- Russell fastest as hydraulic problem halts Antonelli in first practice | Formula 1 - RaceFans