Charles Leclerc topped the second practice session on the Azerbaijan city track, delivering a standout lap for Scuderia Ferrari. The Monaco-born driver clocked 1:43.484, setting the pace as teams gathered data ahead of qualifying and the main race weekend. His performance put Ferrari in a strong position as the field prepared for the afternoon sessions and the strategic decisions that follow under the bright Baku sun.
Close behind was Sergio Perez, the Red Bull racer who finished just 0.006 seconds off Leclerc. The gap was razor-thin, underscoring how tight the competition is across the board. Third place went to Lewis Hamilton, the seasoned British driver steering a Mercedes machine with his usual blend of precision and racecraft, ending the session 0.066 seconds off the leader. The results reflected a highly competitive field where every hundredth can matter when it comes to setting up the car for qualifying speed and tire management in the long run of the weekend.
Defending champion Max Verstappen, the Dutch star racing for Red Bull, finished sixth, more than 13 seconds adrift of Leclerc. Verstappen has claimed the world title in three consecutive seasons and holds notable records for a season with the most wins and a streak of straight Grand Prix victories. His performance in practice hinting at a challenging phase for the team as they refine setups to optimize grip, balance, and pace across Azerbaijan’s unique street circuit.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend is scheduled to begin with the race weekend’s main event, with the Grand Prix race set to start at 14:00 Moscow time on September 15. Teams will be finalizing tire strategies, fuel loads, and pit stop plans as the clock ticks toward lights out and the chant of the home crowd fills the stands.
Earlier reports highlighted a serious accident at the Monaco Grand Prix, where three cars collided in a dramatic sequence. It served as a stark reminder of the sport’s inherent risks and the ongoing emphasis on driver safety, strict race procedures, and rapid response protocols that teams and organizers continually refine to protect participants and spectators alike.