Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying interrupted as Alpine driver crashes UPDATED/PHOTO

An accident occurred during Formula 1 qualifying at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Local media outlets reported that Alpine driver Franco Collapinto lost control of his car and crashed into the barrier, prompting the session to be stopped and a red flag to be displayed.

At the time of the incident, the first part of the qualifying had already concluded.

16:28

The first accident of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying session occurred when Williams driver Alexander Albon lost control of his car and collided with a safety barrier.

Following the incident, marshals immediately raised the red flag, temporarily suspending the session to evacuate Albon’s damaged car and carry out repairs on the compromised safety barriers, according to local media.

Qualifying has since resumed, with drivers back on track after the brief interruption.

16:12

The qualifying session for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix has officially begun in Baku. The results of all three qualifying rounds will determine which driver secures pole position for Sunday’s main race.

In yesterday’s first and second practice sessions, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton posted the fastest times, respectively. In today’s third free practice, Norris once again topped the leaderboard with the best lap time.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is scheduled to conclude on September 21.

14:45

The Formula 2 sprint race in Baku came to an abrupt halt almost immediately after the start due to a serious on-track incident.

According to the domestic press, several cars were involved in a collision, which brought out the yellow flags and led to a temporary suspension of the race.

The damaged vehicles have since been cleared from the circuit, allowing the sprint to resume. With the safety car now off the track, the drivers are back in action as the battle for points continues at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

14:27

Engines are roaring and the tension is mounting on the streets of Baku as the Formula 2 sprint race officially gets underway, forming part of the highly anticipated Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend.

Today’s sprint offers not just the thrill of high-speed battles but also crucial points for the championship fight. The winner of the sprint race will claim 10 points — a valuable boost that could shift the standings and intensify the chase for the overall title, according to domestic media.

With the unique Baku street circuit testing both skill and strategy, every lap promises drama, overtakes, and the possibility of unexpected twists before the chequered flag drops.

13:59

Free practice is officially over in Baku, with Lando Norris setting the benchmark ahead of qualifying. 

The McLaren driver rebounded strongly from his Friday, September 19, mistake to top the third and final practice session, clocking a time two-tenths clear of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, local media writes. 

McLaren’s strong form continued with Oscar Piastri taking third, making it two McLarens in the top three and giving Norris a clear edge heading into qualifying.

Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) was fourth, just three-tenths off the pace. Wind and yellow flags disrupted laps, but for now, it’s advantage Norris heading into the fight for pole.

12:57

The excitement on the streets of Baku is building as Formula 1 enters the final free practice session of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

This third practice session is set to last one hour, matching the duration of the previous two sessions, local media outlet reports.

Drivers are using this crucial time to fine-tune their cars and test strategies ahead of the decisive moments.

All eyes will then turn to the track at 16:00, when the qualifying session begins. The results will determine the starting grid for Sunday’s highly anticipated main race, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling showdown.

9:37

The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend continues today in Baku with a packed schedule for the second day of competition.

According to domestic media, three sessions are planned. The day begins at 12:00 with the final free practice session in the Formula 1 category, followed at 14:15 by a sprint race in Formula 2. The highlight of the programme will be the Formula 1 qualifying round, starting at 16:00.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix opened yesterday and will conclude on Sunday, September 21, with the main race of the weekend.

Azerbaijan has been hosting Formula 1, the world’s most prestigious motorsport competition, since 2016.

The first race held in Baku was designated the European Grand Prix, where German driver Nico Rosberg claimed victory. In subsequent years, the top podium spot in Baku has been taken by Daniel Ricciardo of Australia, Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain, Valtteri Bottas of Finland, Sergio Pérez of Mexico, Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, and Oscar Piastri of Australia.

The only year the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was not held was 2020, when the race was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

By Tamilla Hasanova