Max Verstappen topped the final practice session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday, displacing George Russell from the fastest position as wind conditions intensified around the street circuit. Verstappen’s best lap of 1:43.922 came on soft tyres, representing a 0.099-second improvement over Russell, who experienced a near-miss with the barriers at Turn Seven during the session.
Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top three, finishing just 0.111 seconds behind Verstappen. Hamilton’s late-session improvement was aided by a slipstream effect down the pit straight, a factor that commentators noted would likely prove decisive during qualifying. The gusty weather conditions made the wall-lined circuit particularly challenging, with multiple drivers running off track throughout the hour-long session.
Further down the order, Kimi Antonelli qualified fourth fastest, followed by Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari. Pierre Gasly’s Alpine machine occupied sixth position, ahead of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the McLarens. Despite bringing a significant upgrade to the circuit, McLaren appeared unable to challenge the leading teams, running approximately 0.8 seconds off the pace. Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar placed ninth, continuing his return from a three-race absence due to a wrist injury.
Franco Colapinto rounded out the top ten in the second Alpine, with Carlos Sainz driving a heavily-revised Williams that showed improved performance. Lance Stroll’s session ended early after contact with the inside wall at Turn One, completing only nine laps. Qualifying was scheduled to take place later on Friday, with conditions expected to remain a critical variable in determining pole position contention.
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