Azerbaijan GP: Norris edges Verstappen in final practice

McLaren’s Lando Norris delivered a standout performance in the third and final practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, setting the fastest time of the weekend at 1m41.223s on soft tyres.

The Baku street circuit, known for its low-grip surface and challenging layout, proved even more unpredictable with gusty crosswinds from the Caspian Sea and a scattering of autumn leaves complicating matters.

Norris’ late-session benchmark on softs not only secured him the top spot but also signaled McLaren’s strong form heading into what promises to be an unpredictable qualifying session at 16:00 local time.

• Azerbaijan Grand Prix Free Practice 3 - Results

The session began cautiously, with drivers navigating the 6km low-downforce circuit under tricky conditions. Haas’ Oliver Bearman initially set the pace with a 1m44s on hard tyres, but Norris quickly responded with a 1m43.640s on softs, though this was still slower than Friday’s FP2 times.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, a four-time pole-sitter in Baku, looked poised to topple Norris’ early effort but lost time after running off track at the final corner.

Mid-Session Shuffles and Mistakes

As the session progressed, the leaderboard saw plenty of movement. Lewis Hamilton briefly claimed the top spot with a 1m42.988s after recovering from a dramatic 180-degree spin at Turn 15.

However, Leclerc and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri soon joined the fray, with both Williams cars also showing surprising pace to round out the top five at the halfway mark.

Max Verstappen then took charge with a 1m41.727s on soft tyres during a longer stint, though he remained four-tenths off Hamilton’s FP2 benchmark.

The session’s final 15 minutes saw the entire field switch to new tyres for qualifying simulations, intensifying the action. Norris laid down his blistering 1m41.223s, while Verstappen, narrowly avoiding a wall, settled for second, two-tenths behind.

The strengthening winds added to the challenge, leading to several errors across the field. Piastri, the championship leader, struggled with a slide at Turn 4 and an off at Turn 1 before salvaging third, just three-tenths behind Norris.

Standout Performances and Struggles

Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli, eager to rebound from a lackluster Monza weekend, delivered a solid fifth-place finish, showcasing his potential in a competitive field.

Alex Albon continued to impress for Williams, securing sixth, while Bearman’s seventh place confirmed Haas’ promising start to the weekend.

George Russell, however, was left frustrated in the second Mercedes, complaining of setup issues that caused him to “lock up at every corner,” resulting in an eighth-place finish, eight-tenths off Norris’ pace.

Liam Lawson of RB recovered from a dramatic 360-degree spin at Turn 15 to claim ninth, while Leclerc, despite Ferrari’s strong Friday showing, struggled to piece together a clean lap and settled for 10th.

The Monegasque driver’s difficulties highlight the fine margins on this unforgiving circuit, where precision is paramount.

Qualifying Looms Large

With the wind, low grip, and Baku’s tight walls creating a perfect storm of challenges, FP3 set the stage for a thrilling qualifying session.

Norris’ pace gives McLaren a slight edge, but Verstappen’s consistency and the potential for mistakes in the worsening conditions keep the fight wide open.

Ferrari, Mercedes, and Williams will look to capitalize on any errors from the frontrunners, while drivers like Bearman and Antonelli aim to maintain their momentum.

As the clock ticks down to qualifying, all eyes will be on whether Norris can maintain his edge or if Baku’s unpredictability will crown a surprise polesitter.

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