Russell pips Antonelli to fastest lap in Azerbaijan Grand Prix FP2

Mercedes’ George Russell closed out Friday as the fastest driver having claimed the quickest lap in Free Practice two at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Feature image credit: Courtesy of Pirelli

Thursday’s action concluded under the setting sun in Baku, Azerbaijan, after the chequered flag fell on FP2 with Russell closing out the day as the man to beat, in this early stage.

The Briton locked out a Mercedes 1-2 in the final hour of Thursday practice, pipping his championship rival, Kimi Antonelli, by half a second, having secured a quick lap of 1m 43.347s. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen remained within the top three, eight-tenths behind the leading Silver Arrow.

However, running was impacted during the session after Racing Bull’s Arvid Lindblad suffered a slap against the barrier at turn eight, running up to turn nine, at the castle section. As the Briton brought his car to a stop, the red flag was flown.

George Russell tops opening hour of Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice

Despite missing out on half of FP1, due to a suspected hydraulic issue with his car, Antonelli was able to make it out after the red flag with just over more than half the session to go, coming within 0.552s of his teammate and title rival.

But issues returned quickly after the session resumed, in the form of Haas’ Oliver Bearman who claimed his ‘engine switched off’ and had to retire out on track. Fortunately, he was able to park his Haas at the end of the escape road to aid the marshals.

Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who could only best fifth-fastest, put himself in some hot water with the stewards. It came after the seven-time world champion placed himself into the path of a rapidly approaching Racing Bull’s of Liam Lawson, whom was not pleased with the Ferrari’s positioning.

The incident is set to be investigated shortly, having been confirmed to be investigated after the session.

Free Practice 3 will conclude the data-gathering and set-up honing sessions ahead of qualifying on Friday, with a 12:30pm (local) start time.

FP2 Classification:

1. George Russell, Mercedes +1m 43.347s
2. Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes +0.552s
3. Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing +0.827s
4. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari +1.126s
5. Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari +1.318s
6. Lando Norris, McLaren +1.484s
7. Pierre Gasly, Alpine +1.496s
8. Oscar Piastri, McLaren +1.510s
9. Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing +1.521s
10. Esteban Ocon, Haas +1.943s
11. Franco Colapinto, Alpine +2.132s
12. Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls +2.334s
13. Sergio Perez, Cadillac +2.413s
14. Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi +2.447s
15. Nico Hulkenberg, Audi +2.507s
16. Alexander Albon, Williams +2.776s
17. Carlos Sainz, Williams +2.874s
18. Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls +3.044s
19. Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac +3.390s
20. Oliver Bearman, Haas +3.454s
21. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin +4.056s
22. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin +4.542s

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Kamron Kent

Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.

I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.

Kamron Kent

Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.