Formula 1 in Baku

2nd practice: Ferrari convincing, McLaren problems

Both Ferrari drivers put in a strong performance in the second practice session.(Bild: AFP/OZAN KOSE)

Ferrari put in a good performance in the 2nd free practice session for the Formula 1 GP in Azerbaijan. The fastest lap was set by veteran Lewis Hamilton, who has not had an easy debut season with the Italians so far. Behind him was team-mate Charles Leclerc and finally George Russell in the Mercedes. The two McLaren cars did not play a major role in this session. 

After a promising start to practice at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the two McLaren drivers and Formula 1 title rivals Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris struggled with major problems. Norris damaged his car in the second session on the fast but sometimes very narrow circuit in Baku when he touched the barrier. Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in practice, 74 thousandths faster than team-mate Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari.

Norris, on the other hand, dragged his car back into the pits with heavy counter-steering. After seven laps and half an hour, the 25-year-old Briton, who had set the fastest time ahead of Piastri in the first free practice session, had to call it a day. But his team-mate, who leads the world championship rankings, also made a mistake and touched the track barrier. In the first session, the Australian had to take a longer break due to a problem with the drive unit. In the end, the two were unable to finish higher than 12th (Piastri) and 10th (Norris).

Ferrari's usual strong performance in Baku
Meanwhile, record world champion Hamilton made a comeback, and the best time was balm for the soul of the seven-time champion, who has been plagued by setbacks this year. Leclerc, who has always secured pole position in Azerbaijan over the past four years, is also a force to be reckoned with in qualifying on Saturday (14:00). Red Bull driver Max Verstappen finished sixth. The four-time world champion from the Netherlands recently won in Italy, but the 27-year-old is still a whopping 94 points behind in third place in the standings.

Here is the standings in the drivers' world championship:

Ahead of the 17th of 24 races this season, Piastri has a 31-point lead in the world championship duel with Norris. McLaren also has the first match point in the constructors' championship at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday (13:00). The Papaya team is 337 points ahead of Ferrari and must score at least nine points more than the Scuderia in Azerbaijan.