Max sixth in Baku FP2: 'Found a stable balance'

Published on 19 September 2025 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen was sixth quickest in the second practice session of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton was fastest, ahead of Ferrari team mate Charles Leclerc. The Mercedes of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli completed the top four.

“It wasn’t bad at all. The car feels good, which is positive. We found a stable balance on quite a specific track. That’s what you need. Everything has to come together to put in a good lap. I think we’re lacking a bit over one lap, but there is still more to gain from the car and myself. Hopefully, it’ll be a bit better tomorrow”, explained the Oracle Red Bull Racing driver.

“It’s slippery around here and tough on the tyres because of the soft compounds, but it went okay. I expect a few teams to be every close and it will really take a perfect lap.”

After a messy first practice sessions, which was interrupted several times, it is busy at the start of FP2 with the drivers looking to make up for lost time.

Hamilton is the early pace setter on the mediums with the McLarens looking to match the Ferrari, but their first few timed laps are aborted.

At the halfway mark, the soft Pirelli tyres start to make an appearance with Norris being one of the first to do so. Unfortunately for the British driver, he touches the wall on a timed run, breaking the left rear suspension in the process. It results in a premature end to Norris’ session.

Meanwhile, Max sets his best effort of the session to go third fastest behind both Ferraris. Soon after, Piastri also brushes the wall, but unlike his McLaren team mate, the Australian is able to continue, albeit with a scratched wheel rim.

The Mercedes join the party with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli going third and fourth fastest, behind the two Ferraris. Lewis Hamilton attempts another flying lap and sets the quickest lap of the day: 1:41.293.

Soon after, the teams shift their focus onto long runs ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix, meaning Hamilton finishes FP2 in first, ahead of Leclerc, the two Mercedes and Haas’ Oliver Bearman. Max has to settle for sixth, six tenths of Hamilton’s best effort.

Contest GP Azerbaijan: win a by Max Verstappen signed Red Bull Racing cap!

Results second free practice Azerbaijan: