George Russell tops both practice sessions at Azerbaijan Grand Prix UPDATED

George Russell set the fastest time in both free practice sessions at the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, putting Mercedes at the top of the timesheets on the opening day in Baku.

Russell again led the field in the second session on Thursday, setting a benchmark of 1:43.347. His Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli was second, 0.552 seconds behind, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished third, local media said.

Russell had earlier topped the opening practice session with a time of 1:45.387, finishing ahead of Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

The second practice session was interrupted by a red flag after Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad crashed into the barriers. Haas driver Oliver Bearman also ended his session early after a car problem.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will continue on Friday with the third free practice session and qualifying. The main race is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, at the Baku City Circuit.

16:05

The second free practice session of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix got underway at Baku City Circuit at 16:00 local time on Thursday, September 24.

Mercedes driver George Russell set the pace in the opening practice session, finishing ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Russell posted a lap of 1:45.387, with Verstappen 0.400 seconds behind and Leclerc a further 0.004 seconds adrift, local media reports.

The second practice session is scheduled to run for one hour, from 16:00 to 17:00 local time.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend will continue through Saturday, September 26, when the Formula 1 race is scheduled to take place at the Baku City Circuit.

By Tamilla Hasanova