Norris Leads Azerbaijan FP1 Amidst Track Issues and Piastri's Early Scare

Lando Norris topped the first practice session in Azerbaijan, showcasing McLaren's strong pace despite a session shortened to just 35 minutes due to track issues. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, also showed promising speed after overcoming an early power unit problem.

Why it matters:

McLaren's strong showing in FP1, particularly from Norris, signals their potential to be competitive in Baku. The unique demands of the street circuit, combined with the early disruptions, made this session a crucial test of adaptability for all teams, and McLaren appears to have navigated it well.

The Details:

• Norris's Dominance: Lando Norris set the fastest time with a 1m42.704s, leading his teammate Piastri by 0.310s. He was consistently quick, topping the sheets both before and after the red flag period.
• Piastri's Resilience: Oscar Piastri's session began with a significant power unit issue that forced him to pit immediately. His team worked quickly to resolve it, allowing him to return to the track and eventually post the second-fastest time, despite a close brush with the wall at Turn 15.
• Track Disruptions: The session was red-flagged for an extended period after debris from a curb at Turn 15 caused a hazard. Repairs kept the pit lane closed for 25 minutes, significantly reducing track time for all drivers.
• Other Notable Performances: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) secured third, closely followed by George Russell (Mercedes) in fourth. Alex Albon (Williams) had a strong run to fifth.
• Challenging Session for Frontrunners: Max Verstappen (Red Bull) finished seventh and voiced complaints about his car's performance after locking up at Turn 15. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) clipped a wall at Turn 5, resulting in a puncture and damaged front wing, placing him 13th.
• Struggles for Some Teams: Haas, Aston Martin, and Alpine occupied the bottom six positions, indicating a difficult start to the weekend for these constructors. Esteban Ocon (Alpine) and Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) both had late offs in the final minute.

What's next:

Teams will now analyze the limited data from FP1 to prepare for the crucial FP2 session. The track conditions and potential for further incidents will be key factors as drivers aim to refine their setups and find more pace on the challenging Baku street circuit. The mixed results from FP1 suggest an unpredictable weekend ahead, with several top teams needing to find significant improvements.