Max Verstappen set the pace in the opening practice session (FP1) for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday, clocking a best lap of 1:38.942. The Dutch driver’s performance placed him at the top of the timing sheets, confirming Red Bull Racing’s early dominance on the Baku street circuit, according to Formula1.com’s live coverage.
Red Bull’s strong showing was not limited to Verstappen. Sergio Pérez posted the second‑fastest time of 1:39.210, while teammate Alexander Albon rounded out the team’s top‑three with a 1:39.487. The trio’s collective speed highlighted the team’s confidence heading into qualifying, especially after a challenging 2025 season where they struggled with tyre degradation on the high‑speed, low‑downforce layout of Baku.
Mercedes struggled to match Red Bull’s rhythm, with George Russell’s best lap of 1:40.112 placing him fifth overall. Lewis Hamilton, returning after a brief hiatus, managed a respectable 1:40.398 to finish seventh. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc posted the fastest time for the Scuderia at 1:40.021, but remained outside the top three, indicating that the team still needs to fine‑tune its aerodynamic package for the unique demands of the circuit.
For Indian fans, the practice session aired live on FanCode with commentary from former Indian driver Narain Karthikeyan. The session started at 09:30 IST and concluded at 11:30 IST, giving viewers a two‑hour window to watch the action. Highlights and a full timing sheet will be available on the FanCode app later in the day, and the next day’s qualifying will be streamed at 09:00 IST.
Overall, FP1 suggests a tight battle between Red Bull and Mercedes, with Ferrari looking to close the gap. The Baku street circuit, known for its long straight and tight old city section, often produces surprise results, so the upcoming qualifying and race could still see a reshuffle of the order.
Source: Formula1.com
