09:37
Still just the two Alpines on track just now.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, 2026 Azerbaijan GP
© XPB Images
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F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Updates from Baku ahead of qualifying
Live updates from FP3 and qualifying at the 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
KEY MOMENTS
- Qualifying starts at 1pm BST
- Verstappen leads FP3
- Windier conditions on Friday
- Russell fastest on Thursday
The 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix continues on Friday with final practice and qualifying at the Baku street circuit.
Mercedes driver George Russell led both practice sessions on Thursday in Azerbaijan, as he looks to close down an 81-point deficit to his team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings.
It was a harder day for Antonelli, who suffered a hydraulics issue in FP1 and missed crucial track time. Despite this, he was able to finish second overall at the end of FP2.
Mercedes looks to be the team to beat at Baku, with McLaren's Lando Norris offering a particularly glum outlook for himself and his upgraded car after finishing sixth at the end of FP2.
Just under 1.5s from Russell's best time, Norris said his lack of pace was like "a knife in the heart".
Red Bull looks competitive, with Max Verstappen third on Thursday, though it will need to make a step if it has any hope of catching up to Mercedes.
Ferrari was in the mix in fourth and fifth at the end of practice yesterday, though it doesn't yet look like being able to get in on the pole battle coming up later today.
Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad comes into the second day of the Azerbaijan weekend having crashed in FP2 at the castle section. His shunt brought out a brief red flag.
The Briton did something similar in Madrid, and it ultimately curtailed what was shaping up to be a strong weekend.
Further back, Aston Martin faces a combined 45-place grid penalty for its drivers after taking on various new power unit components for this weekend. But Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll finished at the back of the field anyway at the end of FP2.
Friday Azerbaijan GP schedule
FP3 - 9:30am BST - 10:30am BST
Qualifying - 1pm BST - 2pm BST
25 Sep 2026
09:35
Definitely a lot more debris from the trees on the circuit this morning.
09:34
Franco Colapinto has gone out behind his team-mate now, too.
09:34
Hooray! Pierre Gasly is the first driver on track in the Alpine. He's gone out on medium tyres.
09:33
I think, with the added wind, everyone would rather let someone else go out and do the exploration for them. Unfortunately, that means we have a stand-off.
09:32
Lewis Hamilton is climbing into his Ferrari, so hopefully we'll get some cars on track soon.
09:32
I think this suits George, to be honest 🌼
09:30
And nobody has rushed out.
09:30
FP3 - green flag
Pitlane has opened for the start of FP3.
09:28
The windier conditions have definitely cooled the conditions a little. It's about 25C air temp and 42C track, which is a good 5C cooler than at the same stage yesterday.
09:25
Five minutes to go!
09:19
Weather conditions
One thing that will massively change things today is the increased wind. There was basically none yesterday.
09:18
Got to hand it to Charles, he always managed to look great even if Ferrari is on the back foot a bit coming into FP3.
09:09
Pitlane will open in just over 20 minutes' time.
FP3 sessions on street tracks is always a slightly spicier affair given the need to push to see what your car can do, but the added jeopardy of one mistake potentially benching you for qualifying.
09:00
The early verdict on Williams’ big Azerbaijan Grand Prix F1 upgrade package
Williams has offered a first verdict on its new and improved FW48 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The early verdict on Williams’ big Azerbaijan Grand Prix F1 upgrade package
The revised FW48 features a lighter chassis
08:53
Ferrari needs to find a big step in FP3 to put Mercedes under any kind of pressure later today.
08:44
Just over 45 minutes until FP3 gets going, so plenty of time to sort yourself some breakfast before settling in for some F1 action in Baku!
08:43
Aston Martin will start from the back of the grid on Saturday regardless of what happens in qualifying due to engine component changes.
08:40
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli suffered a hydraulics issue in FP1, but had to undergo an engine change after a fire marshal sprayed an extinguisher over the back of his Mercedes.
However, the engine only needed cleaning, rather than suffering any damage.
Kimi Antonelli’s F1 engine status revealed after Azerbaijan GP stoppage forces change
Kimi Antonelli had a less than ideal start to the Baku weekend
08:38
F2 reminded us this morning of just how chaotic racing around Baku can be 😱
08:35
Lewis Hamilton escapes penalty
Lewis Hamilton found himself involved in another impeding incident during practice yesterday, this time with Liam Lawson.
The FIA stewards summoned him for a hearing, but he escaped with just a reprimand.
Read more ⬇️
Lewis Hamilton learns verdict after Azerbaijan GP impeding investigation
Lewis Hamilton received a reprimand for impeding Liam Lawson
08:32
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Full Thursday practice results in Baku Full results from Thursday’s practice sessions at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
If you missed any of yesterday's track action, catch up on the results from FP1 and FP2 below ⬇️
F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Full Thursday practice results in Baku
Cadillac F1 team, 2026 Azerbaijan GP
© XPB Images
08:30
F1 Baku - FP3 build-up
Good morning and welcome back to our live coverage of the 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix!
Friday in Baku this year means it's qualifying day. But, up first, it's FP3.
That starts in an hour.