George Russell took the spotlight in the final free practice session (FP3) at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, storming to the top of the timesheets. The Mercedes star unleashed a blazing lap around the infamous Baku City Circuit, sending a clear message to his rivals ahead of qualifying. With Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris hot on his heels, the stage is set for an intense showdown.
Russell’s impressive performance in Baku has Mercedes fans buzzing with excitement. In what has been a mixed season for the Silver Arrows, this could be a turning point. Navigating the tricky street circuit with precision, Russell managed to stay ahead of the competition, marking his territory in the fight for pole. Can Mercedes maintain this momentum in qualifying? It looks promising, but nothing is ever certain in Formula 1, especially in Baku!
Leclerc Keeps the Pressure On
Charles Leclerc was not far behind, keeping Russell on his toes. The Ferrari driver has been a consistent threat all season, and his second-place finish in FP3 proves that he’s ready to pounce. The narrow streets of Baku suit Leclerc’s aggressive driving style, and he’s no stranger to delivering under pressure. Could this be Ferrari’s weekend to take control? Watch out, because Leclerc is coming for pole!
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri turned heads in FP3 with McLaren showing serious pace. Norris secured third, while rookie Piastri came in fourth, just behind his teammate. McLaren has been steadily improving, and their performance in Baku signals that they’re ready to challenge the big boys. Could this be the weekend we see a McLaren resurgence? With Norris in top form and Piastri showing immense potential, anything is possible.
In a surprising twist, Red Bull struggled to find their usual dominance. Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, could only manage fifth, while teammate Sergio Pérez finished down in seventh. The Red Bull drivers seemed to wrestle with balance issues, particularly in the tight corners of the Baku circuit. Could this be a crack in the Red Bull armor? It’s rare to see Verstappen not at the sharp end of the grid, but with qualifying still to come, don’t count him out just yet.
Williams’ Alex Albon continues to defy expectations, finishing eighth in FP3. The underdog story of the season, Albon has been quietly delivering standout performances, and Baku is no different. Joining him in the top 10 is Franco Colapinto, who secured ninth and is having a strong weekend overall. These two drivers are proving that the midfield can bring the heat!
Lewis Hamilton had a tougher time, ending the session in tenth. Battling with setup issues, Hamilton seemed out of sorts compared to his teammate Russell. But if anyone knows how to turn things around when it matters most, it’s Hamilton. Can the veteran driver pull off a comeback in qualifying? We’ve seen him do it before, so don’t count him out just yet.
Who Will Come Out on Top?
As we gear up for qualifying, all eyes will be on George Russell. Can he convert his FP3 speed into a pole position, or will Leclerc, Norris, or Verstappen steal the spotlight? The Baku City Circuit is known for its unpredictability, and one mistake can make or break a session. With walls lurking just inches away and high speeds down the straights, the stakes are high, and the pressure is on.
Who will come out on top in the fight for pole? One thing is for sure—qualifying in Baku is never boring, and this year is shaping up to be an absolute thriller!
Russell’s FP3 Victory in Baku Puts Mercedes on Top
