F1 results: Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026 – FP1

George Russell topped the opening practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, setting a 1:45.387 to lead Max Verstappen by four-tenths. The session was interrupted by drama for Kimi Antonelli, who stopped after nine laps due to a hydraulic failure while sitting at the top of the timesheets. Despite the early stoppage, Russell's benchmark time set the tone for the weekend.

Why it matters:

This weekend marks the start of a potential run of three consecutive triple-header events to close the 2026 season, a brutal test of reliability and consistency. With the championship fight entering its final stretch, early momentum in Baku could prove crucial for both the title contenders and the midfield battle.

The details:

• Russell's lap of 1:45.387 was 0.4s clear of Verstappen's Red Bull, with Charles Leclerc third just 0.004s further back.
• Lewis Hamilton was fourth, 0.437s off the pace, while Oscar Piastri could only manage sixth after a limited 16 laps.
• Kimi Antonelli's weekend got off to a nightmare start when a hydraulic failure ended his session after just nine laps – at the time, he was quickest.
• Isack Hadjar's F1 return was also cut short by a power unit problem, forcing him back to the garage after only eight laps.
• Lando Norris was a lowly 14th after managing just 14 laps, while Liam Lawson impressed with seventh in the RB.
• Russell and Verstappen were among those who tested the limited run-off areas during the session, a common theme in Baku's narrow streets.

What's next:

FP2 and qualifying are up next, with teams already looking ahead to Saturday's race. Reliability will be a key watchpoint, especially for Mercedes after Antonelli's early failure, as the paddock braces for the demanding triple-header stretch.