George Russell topped both Friday practice sessions at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leaving the Mercedes driver fastest across the two runs while Antonelli posted the next-best times.
The opening day of track action in Baku saw teams use the two sessions to evaluate car balance, try different set-ups and gather data ahead of Saturday’s qualifying. Russell’s consistency across FP1 and FP2 gave Mercedes a clear benchmark on a weekend that often produces unpredictable results.
Antonelli’s pair of strong efforts placed him immediately behind Russell on the timesheets, signalling that he and his team will be contenders as the weekend progresses. The practice times will give both squads information to refine their strategies for qualifying and the race itself.
Attention now turns to Saturday’s qualifying session, where the grid for Sunday’s Baku race will be decided. With a street circuit that typically rewards both single-lap pace and race trim, teams will aim to convert Friday’s running into an advantageous starting position.