Daijiworld Media Network - Baku

Baku, Sep 19: Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets in a dramatic, crash-hit second free practice at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday, outpacing his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc and ex-Mercedes partner George Russell.

Hamilton clocked a best lap of 1 minute 41.293 seconds, narrowly edging Leclerc by 0.074 seconds on the tight Baku street circuit where the Monegasque ace is chasing a fifth consecutive pole. Russell settled for third, nearly half a second adrift, followed by Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman of Haas, and four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

Liam Lawson placed seventh for Racing Bulls, ahead of Esteban Ocon in the second Haas, Williams’ Alex Albon, and Lando Norris, who endured a turbulent session alongside McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.

Earlier, Norris had set the morning’s fastest time as McLaren locked a commanding 1-2 with Piastri, but the afternoon turned costly. Norris slammed the wall at Turn Four, damaging his suspension and left rear wheel, while Piastri brushed Turn 15’s barrier and later locked up at Turn Two. Piastri ended the session 12th, two places behind Norris.

For Hamilton—who himself clipped the wall at Turn Five in the morning, suffering a puncture—it was a morale-boosting show of speed. He dominated on both tyre compounds and looked poised to challenge for victory on Sunday. A win would mark his record-extending 106th career triumph and make him the first F1 driver to surpass 5,000 career points.

With seven races left, McLaren will need a big turnaround to secure a second straight constructors’ crown, while Ferrari and Mercedes smell an opening in Baku’s high-stakes showdown.