Azerbaijan GP: Hamilton's Relief, Piastri's Reprimand, and Red Bull's Weakness Highlight Opening Day

The opening day of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix saw a mix of fortunes, with Lewis Hamilton expressing significant relief after topping FP2, while Oscar Piastri received his first reprimand of the season. Max Verstappen identified a Red Bull weakness, and Lando Norris faced a setback after a crash.

Why it matters:

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix often delivers unpredictable results due to its unique street circuit characteristics. The initial practice sessions are crucial for teams to gather data and find optimal setups, making Friday's performances a key indicator of potential success or struggles for the weekend.

The Details:

• Oscar Piastri's Reprimand: The McLaren driver was reprimanded for a yellow-flag infringement during FP2, marking his first of the season. This serves as a reminder of the strict regulations even during practice sessions on a demanding circuit like Baku.
• Lewis Hamilton's Dominance and Relief: Hamilton topped the second practice session, narrowly beating Charles Leclerc. He voiced 'thank the Lord' relief, suggesting a positive start for Mercedes after recent challenges.
• Max Verstappen's Red Bull Weakness: Despite a relatively calm start, Verstappen finished FP2 in sixth, several tenths off the pace. He identified a specific weakness in the Red Bull car, indicating areas for improvement for the reigning champions.
• Lando Norris's Crash and Setback: Norris suffered a crash at Turn 4 during FP2, damaging his left rear suspension. This incident puts him 'behind' in terms of preparation and confidence for the crucial qualifying sessions.
• Yuki Tsunoda's Breakthrough: The Japanese driver hinted at a breakthrough with the Red Bull RB21, suggesting he has found a setup that 'makes sense' after struggling for form earlier in the season.
• Liam Lawson's Qualifying Hopes: Lawson is eager to uncover the 'truth' about Racing Bulls' qualifying pace after a strong Friday. Following a 'soul-destroying' mistake in Monza, he aims to validate the car's improved performance in Baku.

The Big Picture:

Friday's sessions set the stage for what promises to be a dramatic Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Hamilton's strong showing for Mercedes could signal a resurgence for the team, while Red Bull's identified weakness and McLaren's operational issues add layers of complexity. The progress of drivers like Tsunoda and Lawson also highlights the ever-evolving competitive landscape of the midfield.

What's next:

Teams will be working tirelessly overnight to analyze data, make crucial setup changes, and address any identified weaknesses before Saturday's critical qualifying session. The unique demands of the Baku street circuit mean that fine margins will likely determine who starts at the front of the grid, setting up an intense battle for pole position.