FROM THE ENVIENT TO BAKU. Formula 1 changes city circuit: from the bottlenecks of Monte Carlo to the high speed of Baku, in Azerbaijan. In the first free practice session, on the impetus of the success obtained last Sunday in the Principality, Sergio Perez sets the first best reference time of the weekend. The Mexican Red Bull driver cut laps in 1’45 “476, a performance obtained with the soft C5 compound tires, the softest in the Pirelli range.
Behind him in this first session of the Azerbaijan GP was Charles Leclerc with Ferrari (1’45”603). In a second virtual row we find with the other Red Bull Max Verstappen (1’45 ” 810), author of a spin, and the SF-75 of Carlos Sainz (1’46 ” 012). The Ferrari mounts two new pieces, the rear wing and the support for the mirrors, and adopts a more loaded aerodynamic structure. The Red Bull, on the other hand, appeared lighter and, at least initially, gained 12 km / h on the Red along the 2.2 kilometers of straight. Following Verstappen’s spin, however, the technicians of the Austrian team changed the set-up.
The two Ferrari drivers reaffirmed their respective objectives. Leclerc: «I want to become champion, I believe in the team. In Monaco there was a mistake, but let’s not forget the good things we did before ». Sainz: «I don’t have to think about the World Cup after the zeros I took. It is important that I adapt quickly to the car, a little at a time without making mistakes. If I pushed to win the title every time I would be wrong again. If I improve slowly I will reach the goal more quickly ».
Behind the two top teams, separated by more than a second, we find: 5. Alonso (Alpine); 6. Hamilton (Mercedes); 7. Tsunoda (AlphaTauri); 8. Russell (Mercedes); 9. Gasly (AlphaTauri); 10. Ocon (Alpine).
Unlucky Mick Schumacher, already the protagonist of a bad accident in qualifying for the GP of Monte Carlo. The German driver, son of the seven-time world champion, was forced to stop after one lap due to a large loss of coolant from a radiator.
At 6 pm the second free practice session (live on Sky F1).