Max quickest in Baku FP1

Published on 13 September 2024 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen started his Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend on a positive note by clocking the fastest lap in the opening practice session. The Oracle Red Bull Racing driver was quickest in the streets of Baku, ahead of Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes). Teammate Sergio Perez completed the top three.

At the start of the session, it is busy on track. Oscar Piastri radios in to confirm that the circuit lacks grip, which is reflected in the lap times. As FP1 progresses, the conditions improve and the lap times tumble until the sessions is red flagged at the twelve minute mark; race control orders the track to be cleaned.

As the sessions is resumed, Max tops the leaderboard ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. The Dutchman and Monegasque continue to vie for first place until the latter parks his Ferrari in the barrier. The session is red flagged as Leclerc climbs out of his stricken car unharmed.

After a seven-minute delay, the session resumes with most drivers bolting on the soft Pirelli tyres. Max remains on the mediums and must allow for some of the soft runners to pass him on the timing boards before FP1 is red flagged for a third time. Franco Colapinto, the Williams rookie visiting Baku for the first time, has parked his car in the barriers at turn four. The young Argentinian is unharmed, but his session ends early.

With eleven minutes on the clock, pit lane opens with Max opting for a run on the soft Pirellis. His first timed efforts propels him to P1, followed by another flying lap that cements his place at the top. It is a strong start for Red Bull with Max in first and Perez in third.

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

Results first free practice Azerbaijan: