Hamilton Leads Ferrari in Close Azerbaijan GP FP2

Lewis Hamilton narrowly edged out Charles Leclerc to top the second practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, signaling Ferrari's strong performance on the challenging Baku street circuit. While Hamilton ultimately set the fastest time, Ferrari demonstrated consistent pace, with both drivers showcasing their potential for the weekend.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's strong showing in FP2 is a significant indicator of their improved competitiveness, especially on a demanding street circuit like Baku. This performance suggests that the Scuderia could pose a serious challenge to rivals in qualifying and the race, making the battle for pole position and race victory highly anticipated. For Hamilton and Mercedes, leading the session against a resurgent Ferrari indicates their own strong form and adaptability to different track conditions.

The Details:

• Hamilton's fastest lap was a 1m41.367s on soft tires, just 0.074s quicker than Leclerc.
• Leclerc initially set the pace with a 1m41.367s, showcasing Ferrari's strong straight-line speed.
• Tire Strategy: Teams are still evaluating whether Pirelli's C5 or C6 compounds will be optimal for qualifying, with early indications suggesting both could be competitive.
• McLaren's Troubles: Lando Norris crashed at Turn 4, damaging his left-rear suspension and ending his session prematurely. Oscar Piastri also made contact with the barriers at Turn 15 and is under investigation for allegedly failing to slow under yellow flags.
  • Both McLaren drivers appeared to struggle with confidence under braking, a critical element on Baku's unforgiving concrete-lined circuit.
• Mercedes' Performance: George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured third and fourth, respectively, for Mercedes, approximately four tenths behind the leading Ferrari.
• Midfield Surprises: Oliver Bearman impressed, guiding his Haas to an excellent fifth place, building on his strong debut last year at the same venue. Liam Lawson also put in an encouraging performance, placing seventh for Racing Bulls. Esteban Ocon was eighth in the second Haas, and Alex Albon secured ninth for Williams.

The Big Picture:

Baku's unique blend of tight corners and long straights often shuffles the competitive order, and FP2's results highlight a potentially tight battle at the front. Ferrari's renewed pace, particularly on soft tires, positions them as strong contenders. McLaren, however, faces a challenging weekend after a bruising session, which could impact their qualifying prospects. The performance of Mercedes and the midfield teams like Haas and Racing Bulls also suggests a highly competitive and unpredictable race weekend ahead.

What's Next:

With qualifying approaching, teams will be analyzing data to optimize setups and finalize tire strategies. The reliability concerns highlighted by McLaren's incidents will be a focus for all teams as they push the limits on the street circuit. The stewards' investigation into Piastri's yellow flag infringement could also have implications for the young driver's weekend. Expect a fierce fight for pole position, with Ferrari and Mercedes looking strong, and Red Bull aiming to close the gap.