McLaren Dominates Delayed FP1 in Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Lando Norris led a McLaren one-two in a heavily disrupted Free Practice 1 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a session largely consumed by a red flag incident.

Why it matters:

McLaren's strong showing, particularly with both drivers performing well despite challenges, signals their potential to be a serious contender for the Constructors' Championship this weekend. The team's ability to quickly adapt and perform under pressure, especially after a significant delay, bodes well for their race prospects in Baku's demanding urban circuit.

The Details:

• Delayed Start: The session was severely impacted by a red flag after just seven minutes due to a loose kerb causing debris on track, leading to an extended delay for repairs.
• Norris's Pace: After the restart, Lando Norris quickly improved his lap time to secure the fastest spot, demonstrating strong pace and adaptability.
• Piastri's Recovery: Oscar Piastri, despite experiencing engine trouble in the early stages, managed to recover impressively to claim the second position, completing a McLaren one-two.
• Other Key Performances: Charles Leclerc finished third for Ferrari. Yuki Tsunoda showed strong form for RB, placing sixth, ahead of Max Verstappen who took seventh.
• Hamilton's Incident: Lewis Hamilton's session was cut short after he suffered a wall strike, damaging his front wing. Fortunately, he emerged from the incident unharmed.

The Big Picture:

The Baku City Circuit is notorious for its unforgiving nature, and the early red flag underscores the challenges teams face. McLaren's immediate performance post-delay suggests they have a well-balanced car for this demanding track. Ferrari, with Leclerc in third, also appears to be in the mix, while Red Bull's Verstappen had a more subdued session. The incident with Hamilton highlights the fine margins on this street circuit, where even experienced drivers can make costly errors.

What's next:

Teams will be analyzing the limited data from FP1 to prepare for the crucial Free Practice 2 session later today. With such little running in FP1, FP2 will be vital for fine-tuning setups and gathering more representative long-run data ahead of qualifying. McLaren's early pace will put pressure on rivals to respond, setting the stage for an intense weekend of racing in Baku.