McLaren’s Lando Norris delivered a stunning performance to top the final practice session for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, setting the stage for an unpredictable qualifying. On a challenging Baku street circuit marked by strong, gusty winds, Norris set his benchmark time late in the session as many of his rivals struggled with the tricky conditions.
According to a report from the Jadeh Makhsoos news base, the session began slowly on the low-grip street circuit, which was made even more treacherous by a layer of autumn leaves and powerful crosswinds from the Caspian Sea. Haas driver Oliver Bearman initially led before Norris posted a 1m43.640s on soft tires.
Several drivers then traded fastest laps. Charles Leclerc was on pace to beat Norris’s time before running off track, while Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton briefly took the top spot with a 1m42.988s after recovering from a spin in Turn 15.
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen soon took control, setting a time of 1m41.727s. However, this was still four-tenths slower than Friday’s best time. The session’s intensity ramped up in the final 15 minutes as teams began their qualifying simulation runs on fresh tires.
According to Jadeh Makhsoos, it was during this final phase that Norris clocked the fastest time of the weekend, a 1m41.223s. Verstappen came close but ultimately finished two-tenths behind after a near-miss with the wall, highlighting the difficult conditions.
The increasing wind led to numerous errors across the field. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri endured a messy end to his session with several slides but managed to secure third place. Andrea Kimi Antonelli had a solid run for Mercedes in fifth, ahead of a competitive Alex Albon in the Williams.
Oliver Bearman finished a respectable seventh for Haas, while in the second Mercedes, George Russell rued set-up changes that made him ‘lock up at every corner’ as he claimed eighth. Liam Lawson recovered from a 360-degree spin to take ninth. In a surprising turn, Charles Leclerc, who has taken the last four pole positions in Baku, could only manage 10th after failing to string together a clean lap.
Qualifying for the Azerbaijan GP is set to begin at 16:00 local time. With such an unpredictable session, who do you think will take pole position? Share your predictions in the comments below.