George Russell led both free practice sessions on Thursday at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026 in Baku, putting Mercedes on top of the timing screens before qualifying.
Kimi Antonelli finished second for the team. The championship leader was slower than his teammate on the Baku street circuit.
Hot Tracking Summary: What Happened in Baku Practice
Mercedes appear to be the ones to beat this weekend in Azerbaijan. Russell was the stronger of the Silver Arrows on Thursday.
Practice debrief coverage asks if Russell is out of reach or if rivals can step up.
Live commentary from BBC and Sky Sports tracked FP1 and FP2 incidents, long-run pace and tyre management.
Azerbaijan GP 2026 Practice Schedule and Session Times
FP1, FP2, FP3 start times local UK Baku
| Session | Baku Local | UK Time |
|---|---|---|
| FP1 Thursday | 12:30 | 09:30 |
| FP2 Thursday | 16:00 | 13:00 |
| FP3 Saturday | 11:30 | 08:30 |
| Qualifying Saturday | 15:00 | 12:00 |
How to follow live commentary and stream
Live updates are available via BBC Sport live page and Sky Sports F1 live blog.
Formula1.com provides official timing and practice debrief articles.
Live Practice Results and Commentary from Baku
FP1 top 10 times and key incidents
Russell topped FP1 in Azerbaijan. Mercedes locked out the top two positions.
Incident reports from Thursday practice focused on track limits at Turn 3 and a brief red flag for debris.
FP2 top 10 times and long run pace analysis
Russell set the fastest lap again in FP2. Antonelli was second fastest overall.
Long-run simulations indicated Mercedes tyre degradation was competitive on the Baku street circuit.
BBC and Sky Sports live updates recap
BBC Sport live coverage tracked sector times and team radio.
Sky Sports F1 live blog provided final practice and qualifying updates, results, stream and highlights.
Is Russell Out of Reach After Thursday Practice in Baku?
George Russell vs Kimi Antonelli Mercedes intra-team battle
Russell was quicker than championship leader Antonelli in both sessions.
The intra-team gap raised questions about Mercedes balance and setup direction.
Practice debrief: pace, tyre management, Baku street circuit demands
Baku demands low drag and strong traction out of slow corners.
Mercedes appeared comfortable on both soft and medium compounds.
Can rivals step up: Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari response
Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari trailed Mercedes in Thursday practice.
Rivals have limited running left to find pace before qualifying.
F1 Azerbaijan GP LIVE: Final Practice and Qualifying Updates
FP3 live results and stream highlights
FP3 runs on Saturday morning in Baku.
Live stream is available on Sky Sports F1 and Formula1.com.
Qualifying session preview, grid predictions, pole battle
Qualifying starts at 15:00 local time in Azerbaijan.
Pole battle is expected between Russell, Antonelli and the chasing Red Bull and McLaren drivers.
Where to watch qualifying live: BBC, Sky Sports F1, Formula1.com
Sky Sports F1 shows live coverage in the UK.
BBC provides highlights and live text commentary.
Driver and Team Analysis Heading Into Qualifying
Mercedes dominance narrative
Mercedes set the pace in both Thursday sessions in Azerbaijan.
The team leads the practice standings.
Antonelli pressure as championship leader
Antonelli is championship leader but was second in the team.
Pressure is on to respond in qualifying.
Verstappen and Norris adaptation to Baku
Verstappen and Norris are adapting to the Baku layout.
Both teams need a step forward for Q3.
How to Watch Azerbaijan Grand Prix Weekend Live
Live stream options, TV channels, highlights
Sky Sports F1 carries live sessions.
BBC Sport offers highlights and live text.
Live blog and real-time results hub
Formula1.com provides real-time timing.
Sky Sports F1 live blog covers final practice and qualifying updates.
Key Takeaways and Race Prediction for Sunday
Pace, tyre degradation, safety car risk in Baku
Pace currently favours Mercedes in Azerbaijan.
Tyre degradation and safety car risk are high on the Baku street circuit.
What to watch in qualifying and race
Watch Russell versus Antonelli.
Watch rival response in Q3 and Sunday race pace.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who led both FP1 and FP2 at the Azerbaijan GP 2026?
- A: George Russell led both free practice sessions for Mercedes in Baku.
- Q: How did the championship leader perform in Baku practice?
- A: The championship leader was slower than teammate Kimi Antonelli on the Baku street circuit.
- Q: When is qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026?
- A: Qualifying is on Saturday at 15:00 Baku local time, 12:00 UK time.
Extended Reading
BBC Sport Formula 1 live coverage: https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/live/c8jk93nvve3t
Formula1.com practice debrief on Russell in Baku: https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/practice-debrief-is-russell-out-of-reach-in-baku-or-might-one-of-his-rivals-step-up.5egUyILMN97GvdyKmXR9ai
Sky Sports F1 Azerbaijan GP live blog: https://www.skysports.com/f1/live-blog/13591653/f1-azerbaijan-gp-live-final-practice-and-qualifying-updates-results-stream-highlights-from-formula-1-race-weekend-in-baku
Hots Insight delivers in-depth news analysis, expert commentary and global perspectives on motorsport and beyond.