George Russell took first place in the final practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ahead of Charles Leclerc and the McLarens, as a fierce weekend continues in Baku with the crucial qualifying session next up.
Russell, who emerged from nowhere for the Mercedes team that had previously lagged behind rivals Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull, was the fastest at the end, clocking 1:42.514 thanks to a devastating final stretch on the long straights.
That’s just 0.013 seconds faster than Leclerc, who is coming off a strong performance, and with all three teams topping the three practice sessions in Azerbaijan, this will be a must-watch qualifying session. Live on Sky Sports F1 at 1pm.
McLaren also fought back in Baku, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both finishing 0.2s behind.
Championship leader and Norris’ rival Verstappen was a close second in fifth, ahead of fellow Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz and Red Bull driver Sergio Perez.
But Lewis Hamilton was conspicuously absent from the lead, with the other Mercedes only finishing 10th, although the other Mercedes also admitted they brought their drivers in later than most to get the crucial soft tyres on.
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Esteban Ocon stopped on the final stretch with a power unit problem and Alpine’s nightmare weekend continued in the third practice ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Hamilton was behind the two Williams drivers who showed promising pace, with Alexander Albon topping the time sheets an hour earlier and Franco Colapinto eighth and ninth.
Hamilton’s fellow Briton Oliver Behrman also had a less than ideal session.
The 19-year-old Haas replacement driver crashed midway through FP3, triggering a caution flag after going too fast into Turn 1 and crashing into the barrier.
“I’m sorry,” Behrman said, trying to make a good impression this weekend as Kevin Magnusson’s replacement before he becomes a full-time member of Team USA next season.
It was the second warning sign from final practice after Esteban Ocon pulled out of the race in Alpine for a team that has struggled with speed and reliability so far this weekend.
Live Azerbaijan GP schedule on Sky Sports F1
Saturday, September 14th
12:15 PM: Azerbaijan GP qualifying build-up
1pm: Azerbaijan GP Qualifying*
3pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
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Take a look back at some of the most dramatic moments that have taken place at the Baku City Circuit.
Sunday, September 15th
8:30am: F2 Feature Race
10:30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Azerbaijan GP Preparation*
12pm: Azerbaijan Grand Prix*
2pm: Checked Flag: Azerbaijan GP reaction
3pm: Ted’s Laptop
*Also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 heads to mainland Europe this weekend for the Baku and Azerbaijan Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership – no contract, cancel anytime
