Max Verstappen was the man to beat in the final part of practice ahead of this year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite setup issues and persistent tailwinds, the four-time world champion posted 1m43.922, just under a tenth of a second quicker than second-place George Russell. The Mercedes driver dominated much of free practice, taking the fastest time in FP1 despite a couple of frustrating lockups. With 81 points separating him from the championship lead, Russell has vowed to fight for as long as he has a mathematical chance.
Lewis Hamilton followed in P3 after recovering from a close call with Liam Lawson earlier in FP2. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli suffered a mechanical issue in FP1 but recovered to fourth by the end of FP3.
Charles Leclerc set the fifth-fastest time, just under a tenth clear of the ever-consistent Pierre Gasly. McLaren has brought a new body package to Baku, which includes modified sidepods and intakes, a new-look engine cover, and an altered airbox intake. Even so, Lando Norris has cast doubt over the team’s overall pace. He ended FP3 eighth, 0.053s behind his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Isack Hadjar has returned to action after missing the previous three Grands Prix due to a wrist injury. The Red Bull driver had a steady run to ninth, ahead of Franco Colapinto, who generally struggled to match his teammate, Carlos Sainz, Ollie Bearman and Gabriel Bortoleto.
Esteban Ocon has confirmed his status as a free agent for 2027, as Haas has not offered him a new contract. Nico Hülkenberg stopped on track in FP3 but not before setting the 15th-fastest time.
Sergio Perez took 16th ahead of Alex Albon. Williams has also brought a significant upgrade to Baku with the objective of shedding weight. The team anticipates gains of around half a second a lap, though even that wouldn’t be enough to trouble the midfield. Alex Albon brushed the barriers en route to P17 ahead of Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, who crashed heavily at turn eight in FP2 and caused a red flag. Despite the setback, the rookie managed to secure some valuable running time.
Fernando Alonso was one of many drivers to run wide at turn 15 en route to 20th place ahead of Valtteri Bottas and fellow Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll, whose exploits in FP3 lasted just nine laps thanks to a brush with the barriers.
Mercedes appears to have the edge once again, and with little left to lose, Russell looks set to contend. However, with Red Bull improving and Verstappen in close attendance, we look set for another engaging qualifying session in Baku.
