Azerbaijan – Free Practice 1: session canceled, George Russell lucky!
This first free practice session of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was very short! Only 10 minutes before a loose drain cover on the track forced the organizers to completely cancel the session...
Formula 1 arrives in the Azerbaijani capital for a weekend that promises to be action-packed on the track, given the latest editions of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in the narrow streets of Baku.
The weather conditions are perfect for this first free practice session, and the good weather is expected to continue throughout the weekend.
This morning, there was some concern regarding George Russell’s participation in this first session. Indeed, the Williams driver did not attend the Thursday press conference due to an infection contracted during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend. However, his team released a statement a few minutes before the start of the session to confirm that the young British driver would indeed be behind the wheel of the FW42, although still a bit tired.
Back on the European continent, the teams have made some modifications and developments to their cars, like Ferrari, which has refined its winglets and floor. Red Bull has also announced numerous updates for this weekend, particularly with the Honda engine, which is expected to deliver an additional 10 to 15 horsepower.
Ferrari est arrivé à Bakou avec plusieurs évolutions sur la SF90👇
Nouveaux bargeboards, fond plat et diffuseur. Mais aussi un aileron arrière spécial Bakou (comme toutes les equipes ce week-end).
📸 @AlbertFabrega #F1 #AzerbaijanGP 🇦🇿 pic.twitter.com/Og0yn4BsX1
— Secteur F1 🏎🇫🇷 (@Secteur_F1) 25 avril 2019
After only 10 minutes, the session is interrupted by a red flag. A manhole cover literally exploded under Russell’s Williams, forcing the driver to stop in the middle of the track. The marshals are obliged to intervene to fix this mishap… especially since the tow truck tasked with bringing the British car back to the pits hit a bridge over the track with its crane, spilling hydraulic oil onto the Williams. Live Video Gag session in Baku!
A look at the incident that brought first practice to a premature end in Baku 👀#AzerbaijanGP 🇦🇿 #F1 pic.twitter.com/VikJY5ts4M
— Formula 1 (@F1) 26 avril 2019
#gpbaku Les mésaventures de la Williams se poursuivent après la plaque d’égout, la grue qui lache pic.twitter.com/DhdTxLEXKv
— La F1® sur CANAL (@LaF1SurCanal) 26 avril 2019
Only Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel completed a timed lap, but the session will not resume, as Race Control has decided not to send the cars back on track before a full safety check. The FP2 should nonetheless take place on time this afternoon.
