Kimi Antonelli's first few rounds in Baku didn't go perfectly. © ANSA / ALI HAIDER

Smoking Mercedes: Problems for Antonelli

Formula 1 driver George Russell put pressure on championship leader Kimi Antonelli at the start of the race weekend in Azerbaijan.

September 24, 2026

From: dpa/sn

The English Mercedes driver finished the first day of practice for the Baku Grand Prix on Thursday with the fastest time of 1:43,347 minutes. His teammate Antonelli finished 0,552 seconds behind in second place, after experiencing a huge scare in the first session.

A Mercedes billowing smoke from its rear was the dominant image; the 20-year-old Italian had to retire his car early due to hydraulic problems during the frequently interrupted first practice session on the narrow street circuit. Despite this, he still managed to finish fifth. Russell, currently 81 points behind in the overall World Championship standings, had also set the fastest lap earlier in the day with a time of 1:45,387.

Verstappen finished second and third in training

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen finished second and third (+0,827 seconds), both times at the front of the pack. His teammate Isack Hadjar, returning from brake problems, only managed 20th and ninth places. He had missed the last three races due to a hand injury.

Max Verstappen handled the street circuit well. © ANSA / ALI HAIDER

The opening practice session on the challenging circuit was repeatedly interrupted due to drivers breaking down their cars. For example, the rear brakes of Williams driver Carlos Sainz caught fire, while Nico Hülkenberg struggled with gearbox problems in his Audi. Further delays hampered the drivers. Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad, for instance, touched the barriers, and Oliver Bearman in the Haas had to end the session early due to a technical issue.