It is time for FP3 and all the drivers will push to the limit to prepare in the best way possible for qualifying: here is the classification of the final practice session in Baku. After the two free practice sessions on Friday, now it is time for FP3 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, on the streets of Baku.
Ferrari looked strong especially in the second practice session and ended the day on top – with Lewis Hamilton first and Charles Leclerc second. Mercedes also showed positive signs with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli right behind the two SF-25s.
McLaren had some difficulties caused by driving errors, first from Lando Norris and then from Oscar Piastri. The British driver did not even manage to finish FP2, while his teammate is under investigation for failing to respect a yellow flag. In FP3 they will aim to collect the data they could not gather on Friday.
Red Bull also seemed to struggle. Only Max Verstappen managed to enter the top 10 in both sessions – seventh and sixth – while Yuki Tsunoda had a solid FP1 but dropped off in the following session.
FP1 was also positive for Williams and Racing Bulls, both breaking into the top 10. Haas joined the fight in FP2 and impressed with Oliver Bearman securing an excellent fifth place.
Follow our live coverage of FP3 of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, from 10:30, so you do not miss the final classification before qualifying in Baku.
The Baku circuit
The Baku City Circuit has hosted Formula 1 since 2016, first as the European GP and then as the Azerbaijan GP. It is a street circuit unlike any other.
The track is 6.003 km long and runs anti-clockwise. It features 20 corners – 12 left and 8 right – making it a very technical and winding layout. This circuit also has the longest straight of the entire Formula 1 season, measuring 2.2 km, which drivers cover at full throttle.
The first and third sectors are characterized by 90° corners, long straights, and mild kinks that modern cars can tackle flat out. The second sector, however, is more complex.
The middle part of the circuit winds around the old fortress of the capital. The castle tower dominates from Turn 8 to Turn 10. This is the most challenging section due to its narrow streets and lack of straights.
The best overtaking opportunities are found in the first sector. The two DRS zones are also located here, one from Turn 20 to Turn 1, and the other from Turn 2 to Turn 3. This makes the opening part of the lap the most inviting for overtakes.
Finally, the Baku City Circuit is the only track on the Formula 1 calendar located almost entirely below sea level.
Circuit records
The first Grand Prix held here was in 2016, with Nico Rosberg taking both pole position and victory. The 2020 race was the only one not contested due to the pandemic.
The highest speed ever recorded in Baku is 366.1 km/h, achieved by Valtteri Bottas in a Williams in 2016.
The outright lap record of the track was set by Charles Leclerc in 2023 with the SF-23, clocking a 1:40.209. The Monegasque also holds the race lap record with a 1:43.009 set in 2019 with the SF90. The 27-year-old is the only driver to have achieved four consecutive pole positions in Baku – from 2021 to 2024.
Sergio Perez has the most victories at the circuit, with 2 wins. Behind him are Nico Rosberg, Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, each with one victory. Among constructors, Red Bull leads with 4 wins, followed by Mercedes with 3 and McLaren with 1.
Brake stress
Together with Montreal, Baku is one of the toughest tracks on the brakes in Formula 1. Each lap requires around 20 seconds of braking, covering 931 meters, about 16% of the lap distance.
Among the 10 braking points, the most demanding is Turn 1 at the end of the longest straight on the calendar.
Drivers approach the first corner at around 344 km/h and must slow to just 109 km/h. This requires a brake pedal pressure of 130 kg and produces a deceleration of 4.4 G.
Follow the live coverage of FP3 of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, from 10:30, to catch the final classification before qualifying in Baku.
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