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Russell Leads First Practice at 2026 Azerbaijan GP
Confirmed
In Short: George Russell topped the first practice session at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with teammate Kimi Antonelli experiencing issues.
George Russell was the fastest driver in the first practice session of the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, held on Thursday, September 24, at the Baku City Circuit.
The unusual Saturday race weekend schedule has shifted the entire F1 program forward by a day, with both Free Practice sessions taking place on Thursday.
Red Bull Racing announced that driver Hadjar will return to action in Baku, starting from free practice on Thursday, after a period of absence.
Practice sessions are crucial for teams to fine-tune their cars, especially with many bringing significant upgrades to improve performance.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which first appeared on the Formula 1 calendar in 2016, has been a part of the F1 schedule since 2017.
The race weekend will conclude with the Grand Prix on Saturday, September 26, following practice and qualifying sessions.
Teams are eager to gather data and make adjustments to their cars to maximize performance in the upcoming race.
The FIA's decision to hold the race on a Saturday is part of the unique schedule for this year's event.
Despite the challenges, drivers and teams are looking forward to the opportunity to compete on this demanding track.
What's confirmed
- George Russell was fastest in a first Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice session in which Mercedes Formula 1 team-mate Kimi Antonelli stopped on track and both McLaren drivers spent an extended spell in the garage.
What's still developing
- Also Read: IMSA Battle on the Bricks LIVE: Indianapolis Race Updates, Results & Key Moments According to the official Formula 1 timetable, F1 Free Practice 1 will begin at 12:30 PM local time in Baku and run until 1:30 PM.
- Formula 1’s second practice session is scheduled for 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time, which translates to 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM IST.
- But the 21-year-old is now fit enough to drive and is back at this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which takes place on Saturday - live on Sky Sports F1.
- Red Bull made the announcement on Tuesday ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as Hadjar prepares to resume duties as teammate to Max Verstappen.
- Here's his take and a look at other F1 teams' Baku upgrades McLaren has continued its F1 upgrade push with a significant package for the Azerbaijan GP.
- As a result, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix often leads to a much more chaotic race.