Russell Leads Baku Practice as Antonelli Faces Challenges

George Russell set the pace in both practice sessions for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, signaling a strong start for Mercedes in Baku. However, the session was not without its drama, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli experiencing a hydraulics issue that forced him to stop on track. This incident adds another layer to the ongoing title battle between the two Mercedes teammates, with Antonelli currently holding a significant points advantage.

Other teams also faced their own challenges. Lando Norris of McLaren expressed disappointment, stating the team was "miles off" the required pace. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen reported struggles with his car's balance. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend is also notable for its schedule, with the race taking place on Saturday to avoid conflict with Azerbaijan's national remembrance day. This weekend marks the 15th official event of the 2026 Formula 1 season.