The Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend kicked off with a bang, but not in the way fans hoped. A kerb-related disaster delayed the first practice session (FP1), leaving F1 drivers racing against the clock with only a limited amount of track time.

Norris Takes the Lead While McLaren Dominates

In a thrilling twist, Lando Norris emerged on top of the timing sheets, showcasing his skill and speed in what has become a fiercely competitive qualifying environment. His McLaren teammate wasn't far behind, landing in second place, reaffirming McLaren’s dominance at the Baku circuit. The top 12 drivers were separated by just a second—a testament to the intense competition.

Grip Struggles and Dangerous Corners

As teams battled through the reduced session, they all opted for the soft C6 tyres to maximize their performance. However, grip proved elusive, especially at Turn 15, where multiple drivers found themselves in danger. Alex Albon and Oscar Piastri experienced near disasters, slamming their vehicles into the wall.

Even the likes of Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon couldn’t escape the corner’s wrath, locking their tyres and veering into the run-off zone. Changes to the corner for this year's race added to the challenge, prompting drivers to test their limits.

Carlos Sainz Causes Major Red Flag Chaos

An early red flag halted the session just 15 minutes in when Carlos Sainz’s Williams inflicted serious kerb damage, initially mistaken for debris from the car. Norris narrowly dodged the hazardous mess, which could have led to disastrous punctures—a painful reminder of Verstappen's mishap in 2021.

The red flag lasted 26 minutes as officials inspected the track, ensuring safety for the drivers. For some, it was a double-edged sword; Franco Colapinto and Piastri failed to set times before the halt.

McLaren Management and Hamilton's Dilemma

Amidst the wreckage, McLaren seized the moment to address a power unit issue plaguing Piastri's car. Thankfully, he was back on track before the session resumed without missing time.

However, traffic became a nagging problem in the final stages as drivers scrambled for flying laps in a track notorious for tight corners.

Lewis Hamilton’s Late Session Trouble

As the clock ticked down to the end, Lewis Hamilton found himself limping back to the pits with damage to his Ferrari after a minor incident at Turn 5, which left debris scattered across the track. While he managed to return to the pits, a broken front-end plate and a punctured tire prevented him from clinching a spot in the top 10.

As the sun sets over Baku, the stage is set for an exhilarating Grand Prix ahead, with the drivers gearing up for the challenges that await them!