McLaren dominates FP1 in unusual session, Leclerc finishes third – Baku GP summary
The 2025 Formula 1 season returned to action after a week-long break, with the first free practice session (FP1) for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix providing an eventful start. McLaren impressed with a one-two finish, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc claimed third. Here’s a detailed summary of the FP1 action in Baku.
First half-hour
The drivers went straight on track to regain feeling with their cars on one of the most unique circuits in the calendar. All teams started on soft tyres, using the initial laps to get a sense of the highly technical street circuit. Lando Norris immediately set the fastest time, asserting McLaren’s early pace, while teammate Oscar Piastri remained in the garage due to technical issues, even having to exit the car for checks.
An issue with a kerb caused a red flag, forcing the intervention of the marshals who discovered an assembly anomaly. Repairs took longer than expected, significantly interrupting track activity and limiting running time for all teams.
Second half-hour
The session resumed with twenty minutes remaining, requiring teams to revise their initial running plans. Piastri returned to the track after resolving his earlier issues. With limited time available, teams focused primarily on qualifying simulations using the red soft tyres. Norris led the session, ahead of Max Verstappen and his teammate Piastri, confirming McLaren’s strong early pace.
Lewis Hamilton suffered an impact with the wall, resulting in a puncture and front wing damage, but he managed to return to the pits safely. Track activity continued with Charles Leclerc moving up to second place, half a second behind Norris. Piastri improved his lap time to secure a McLaren one-two, finishing three-tenths slower than his teammate.
The kerb issue in the third sector cost teams valuable running time, allowing only a few laps to be completed. Early indications show that McLaren adapted immediately to the Baku circuit, living up to expectations and, for now, showing no serious rivals. Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc, remained competitive but still lagged behind McLaren. The reduced track time prevented a clear picture from emerging after FP1, leaving teams and fans to wait for FP2 at 14:00 Central European Time (CET).
Final FP1 results in Baku:
1 Lando Norris (McLaren) 1m42.704s
2 Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.310s
3 Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.552s
4 George Russell (Mercedes) +0.553s
5 Alex Albon (Williams) +0.859s
6 Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) +1.034s
7 Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +1.086s
8 Carlos Sainz (Williams) +1.155s
9 Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +1.199s
10 Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) +1.271s
11 Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +1.281s
12 Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) +1.282s
13 Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +1.383s
14 Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) +1.383s
15 Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) +1.435s
16 Ollie Bearman (Haas) +1.447s
17 Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) +1.625s
18 Esteban Ocon (Haas) +1.735s
19 Franco Colapinto (Alpine) +2.595s
20 Pierre Gasly (Alpine) +2.714s
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