Norris Leads McLaren 1-2 in Azerbaijan GP Practice Despite Piastri's Power Unit Issues

Lando Norris topped the first practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading a McLaren 1-2 with teammate Oscar Piastri. This strong start for McLaren comes despite Piastri's session being cut short by a power unit problem. The session also saw incidents involving Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, and was briefly interrupted by a red flag for debris. This sets up an intriguing weekend as teams grapple with the Baku City Circuit's unique challenges.

Why it matters:

McLaren's early pace, particularly in a street circuit notorious for its unpredictability, suggests they could be strong contenders this weekend. For Lando Norris, continuing his strong form from recent races would solidify his position as a championship dark horse. Piastri's power unit issue, however, will be a concern for McLaren, who need both cars performing optimally to maximize their points potential. The incidents with Verstappen and Hamilton highlight the circuit's unforgiving nature and the fine margins teams are operating within.

The details:

• McLaren's Strong Start: Lando Norris posted the fastest time in FP1, followed by Oscar Piastri, marking another impressive 1-2 for the team.
• Piastri's Setback: Piastri's session was hampered by a power unit issue, which limited his running time and will require close attention from the McLaren team.
• Incidents on Track: Both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton had minor incidents during the session, underscoring the demanding nature of the Baku circuit's walls and tight corners.
• Red Flag Interruption: The session was briefly red-flagged due to debris on the track, a common occurrence on street circuits, indicating the track is still rubbering in and drivers are pushing limits.
• Surprise Pace: Alex Albon of Williams showed strong pace, finishing fifth, suggesting Williams could be a dark horse in the midfield this weekend.
• Rookie Appearances: Several rookies, including Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, and Kimi Antonelli, participated in the session, gaining valuable experience on a challenging track.

By the numbers:

1. Lando Norris (McLaren)
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
4. George Russell (Mercedes)
5. Alex Albon (Williams)
6. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)
7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
8. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)

What's next:

Teams will now analyze the data from FP1 to make adjustments for the upcoming sessions. McLaren will be closely monitoring Piastri's power unit situation, while other teams will look to improve their car setups to extract more performance. With qualifying often being crucial at Baku, every practice lap counts. The unique challenges of the Baku City Circuit promise an unpredictable and exciting weekend of racing.