Charles Leclerc closes on command FP2 of the Baku GP, but the top teams are closer than ever. Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton, respectively second and third, are separated by only 6 and 66 thousandths. As in the FP1, Baku gave us a chaotic session, with yellow flags and long men in the escape routes. Below, we analyze the complete picture of Friday.
FP2 GP Baku: Balance reigns!
He had already shown flashes of speed in FP1, but after a accident it's always complicated to regain confidence with the track. Charles Leclerc, instead, returned to the track and immediately took the lead, in a FP2 characterised by a total balance among the top teams. The top 3, in fact, is enclosed in 66 thousandths.
After the good third place in the morning, Sergio Perez continues his excellent feeling with the Baku track, where he is the only driver with more than one victory under his belt (2021 and 2023). His teammate Verstappen, instead, finished in sixth position, complaining on the radio about the great understeerThe Dutchman also nearly hit the wall twice but narrowly avoided the barriers.
However, Verstappen is not the only one. The two drivers also Sauber e Ferrari they went long in the characteristic escape routes of Baku. Speaking of Ferrari, Sainz finished fourth, just under half a second behind Leclerc, as did Piastres behind him in fifth position (very consistent in race pace before collapsing at the end of the stint).
Good day for Bearman; Norris nervous
They complete the top 10 Stroll, Hulkenberg, Russell (stopped a few minutes from the end by a problem with the car) and Bearman, making his second Formula 1 appearance after Jeddah. After driving Sainz’s Ferrari in Saudi Arabia, the British teenager replaces Magnussen in Baku. A first taste of Haas for him, ahead of his promotion to full-time driver in 2025.
Behind his back, tsunoda, Alonso, Albon, Colapinto, Bottas, Ricciardo, Norris, gasly, Or with e Zhou. A complicated session for Norris, who never really tried a time attack with the soft tyres (the only driver to do his best time with the medium tyres) and was hindered by Gasly on his flying lap.
