Hamilton Leads Ferrari 1-2 in Baku FP2 as Norris Crashes Out

Lewis Hamilton topped the second practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading a Ferrari 1-2 ahead of Charles Leclerc. The session was marked by drivers pushing the limits on the challenging Baku street circuit, with McLaren's Lando Norris being the only one to pay a heavy price by hitting the wall and ending his session early.

Why it matters:

The intense FP2 session in Baku showcased drivers aggressively seeking the limits, a crucial step for qualifying on a high-stakes street circuit. Hamilton's unexpected pace with Ferrari and Norris's costly mistake highlight the fine margins between triumph and disaster, setting the stage for a dramatic qualifying and race weekend where conditions are expected to be unpredictable.

The details:

• Hamilton's Top Performance: Lewis Hamilton, despite a minor wall brush in FP1, set the fastest time in FP2 with a 1:41.293, narrowly beating Charles Leclerc by 0.074 seconds. This performance places Ferrari in a strong position for the rest of the weekend.
• Norris's Crash: Lando Norris crashed his McLaren halfway through the session, damaging the suspension and forcing an early retirement. This incident occurred after he topped FP1 and highlights the unforgiving nature of the Baku track.
• Leclerc's Close Call: Charles Leclerc, aiming for a fifth consecutive Baku pole, spun at Turn 4 but managed to avoid the wall, demonstrating the fine line drivers are treading.
• Russell's Recovery: George Russell, recovering from an illness that kept him out of Thursday's media duties, secured third place, 0.477 seconds behind Hamilton, showcasing strong pace for Mercedes despite a brief wall clip.
• Other Incidents: Several other drivers, including Liam Lawson, Franco Colapinto, Oliver Bearman, and Russell, flirted with trouble by hitting walls or running deep into run-off areas.
• McLaren's Mixed Fortunes: While Norris topped FP1, he and teammate Oscar Piastri finished 10th and 12th respectively in FP2. Piastri's session was further complicated by a potential yellow flag infringement, which stewards will investigate.
• Verstappen's Pace: Max Verstappen finished sixth, just ahead of Liam Lawson, who put in a confidence-boosting performance for Racing Bulls.
• Midfield Surprises: Esteban Ocon (Haas) and Alexander Albon (Williams) both made it into the top ten, showcasing improved pace for their respective teams.

What's next:

With changeable conditions predicted for the remainder of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, including potential rain, the action is far from over. Teams will be meticulously analyzing data from FP2 to prepare for FP3 and the crucial qualifying session.

• Qualifying on street circuits is paramount, as overtaking opportunities can be limited. The teams that can find the most grip and avoid mistakes will be at a significant advantage.
• The competitive landscape, particularly at the front with Ferrari's strong showing and Mercedes' solid pace, suggests an exciting and unpredictable battle for pole position. Norris's team will be working tirelessly to repair his car and ensure he's ready for qualifying, but the lost track time could be costly.