Russell fastest for Mercedes in final Baku practice
BAKU : George Russell put Mercedes on top of the timesheets in final practice for the Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix on Saturday.
Charles Leclerc Sport News
Title-Chasing Norris And McLaren 'A Long Way' Off The Pace In Azerbaijan GP
Championship-chasing Lando Norris conceded he and McLaren were well off the pace on Friday after he struggled to 17th place with team-mate Oscar Piastri fifth in second free practice at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Both drivers were left well adrift of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc who outpaced Red Bull's Sergio Perez to set the fastest time, prompting title-challenger Norris to admit he and his team faced much overnight homework to find a solution. "We're quite a long way off," he said, drawing only slight consolation from seeing Max Verstappen, Red Bull's three-time champion and series leader, wind up sixth behind Piastri. "I'm having to push way too much to try and get a lap time. Where Oscar is, that is kind of more where I think we are. So, I think if we nail it, we're just about there, but I'm sure they're not even close nailing it yet.
Charles Leclerc Bounces Back From Crash To Top Practice Times For Azerbaijan GP
Charles Leclerc recovered from a crash early in the day to top the times for Ferrari ahead of Red Bull's Sergio Perez in Friday's second free practice on a day of incidents and accidents at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Leclerc, who has taken pole three times before on the tricky Baku street circuit, had gone off early in opening practice, hitting the barriers at Turn 15 and his car incurring damage to the front right section. He was unhurt and the Ferrari mechanics fixed the damage although he needed to pit early in second practice to fit a new power steering system. This produced the odd sight of the Ferrari team forming a wall of bodies – like a team defending a football free-kick – to block vision of Leclerc's car as it was repaired.
Verstappen fastest in Baku as Leclerc crashes
BAKU : Charles Leclerc crashed his Ferrari as Formula One leader Max Verstappen lapped fastest for champions Red Bull in a three-times halted first practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday.
Perez says different driving styles masked Red Bull struggles
BAKU : Sergio Perez suggested he could benefit more than team mate Max Verstappen from any fix to the car issues that have slowed Formula One champions Red Bull.
McLaren Set To Introduce 'Team Orders' On Oscar Piastri, To Support Lando Norris Title Bid
McLaren are poised to introduce team orders to support Lando Norris's bid to beat Max Verstappen to the drivers' world title in this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Widespread reports following a BBC interview published on Thursday in which McLaren team boss Andrea Stella said the team would "bias our support to Lando" made clear they were abandoning a policy of non-interference. "The overall concept is we are incredibly determined to win, but we want to win in the right way," Stella said.
1 Win In 9 Races, Verstappen And Red Bull Battling To Keep F1 Championship Lead Heading Into Azerbaijan GP
Max Verstappen will look for an improved personal and team performance this weekend when Red Bull seek to stop the rot and stay on top in the Formula One title race at this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. After a run of six races without a win that has coincided with the revival of his rivals, the Dutchman arrives in Baku with a 62-point lead in the drivers' championship ahead of Lando Norris. His team's advantage ahead of McLaren has also been trimmed to only eight points.
McLaren boss says both F1 titles now on, orders may follow
MONZA, Italy : McLaren boss Andrea Stella said both Formula One titles were achievable after Sunday's Italian Grand Prix and indicated team orders could be used to help Lando Norris battle Red Bull's Max Verstappen.