The Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend kicked off with a bang as McLaren showcased their dominance during the first practice session, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating race. Lando Norris emerged as the fastest driver on the circuit, navigating the challenging Baku street layout with remarkable skill, despite the session being marred by interruptions. A crucial stop was necessitated when a piece of rubber came loose from the kerb, causing a significant delay that robbed teams of valuable track time.
Oscar Piastri capitalized on this unexpected break. Having faced engine troubles from the outset, he was fortunate to be in the pits when the session halted, allowing him to maintain competitive timing without losing much to his rivals. Ultimately, he secured an impressive second-fastest time, proving that even adversity can lead to opportunity on the track. Charles Leclerc followed closely behind with the fourth-best time, while George Russell, still recovering from a recent illness that left him physically compromised, struggled to find his rhythm but managed to round out the top five.
The atmosphere was electric as the session began. Competitors rushed to make their mark on the iconic Baku circuit, which is renowned for its tight corners and high-speed straights. The early minutes saw Norris leading the charge, clocking in at 1:44 before the session was briefly interrupted. A minor mishap from Gabriel Bortoleto—a failure to brake properly—added to the suspense, while Norris’s pit stop to fix his car’s pitot tube protection highlighted the unpredictable nature of street racing.
As the session unfolded, it became clear that the McLaren duo were in a league of their own. Norris reclaimed the top spot after Russell had a brief moment of glory, dropping into the 43-second range as he found his footing. However, it wasn’t long before the session was halted to address the kerb issue, which had come loose, thanks to Carlos Sainz’s earlier encounter with it.
Once the track was cleared, the drivers returned with renewed vigor. Norris continued to push the limits, dropping his lap time into the 42-second bracket, while Piastri, now with a fresh set of tires, climbed steadily up the ranks. Despite a close call with the barriers for both Hamilton and Piastri, who made slight contact, they managed to avoid any major mishaps.
As the dust settled at the end of the session, Norris stood atop the charts with an impressive lap time of 1:42.704. The McLaren team clearly demonstrated their prowess, with Piastri right behind him, and Leclerc not far off in third. This early performance has set the tone for the rest of the weekend, leaving fans eager to see how the rest of the teams will respond in the upcoming sessions. As the excitement builds, one thing is clear: McLaren is back in the spotlight, and they’re not going anywhere without a fight.
