Norris Leads FP1 in Azerbaijan, Piastri Faces PU Issues

Lando Norris topped the first practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, showcasing strong pace, while his McLaren teammate and championship rival Oscar Piastri was temporarily sidelined with a power unit problem. Fortunately for Piastri, much of his garage time coincided with a red flag period, minimizing his track time loss as marshals repaired a lifted kerb at Turn 16.

Why it matters:

McLaren's strong start in Baku, particularly Norris's pace, signals their continued competitiveness in the championship. However, Piastri's early power unit scare highlights the ever-present reliability challenges in Formula 1, which could be critical in a tight title fight.

The details:

• Norris's Dominance: Lando Norris set the benchmark with a 1:43.747, consistently showing strong pace and eventually extending his lead to a full second over Max Verstappen at one point, before finishing P1 by three-tenths ahead of Piastri.
• Piastri's PU Issue: Oscar Piastri experienced a power unit issue early in the session, prompting him to return to the pits. McLaren identified and reportedly rectified the problem, allowing him to rejoin the session later and finish P2.
  • His time in the garage was somewhat mitigated by a red flag that lasted approximately 10 minutes due to a lifted kerb at Turn 16, which needed extensive repair.
• Other Incidents:
  • George Russell reported a 'burning' smell and withdrew from media sessions earlier due to illness, though he managed P4.
  • Lewis Hamilton clipped a wall at Turn 5, damaging his Ferrari's front wing and requiring repairs.
  • Max Verstappen also had a late moment on track, but finished P5.
• Early Benchmarks: Nico Hulkenberg was the first to set a timed lap with a 1:47.293.

The Big Picture:

The Baku street circuit, known for its high speeds and tight corners, often produces unexpected results and reliability challenges. McLaren's performance in FP1 suggests they are well-prepared, but the minor issues faced by Piastri and others indicate that the weekend could be fraught with technical difficulties and on-track incidents, potentially shaking up the championship standings.

What's next:

Teams will analyze the data from FP1 to fine-tune their setups for the demanding Baku circuit. Resolving any lingering reliability concerns will be paramount, especially for McLaren and Piastri, as they aim to maintain their championship challenge. The unique characteristics of Baku mean that qualifying and the race could see further surprises as drivers push the limits.