What's Happening?
Lando Norris led the Free Practice 1 session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a time of 1:42.704, ahead of his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. The session was disrupted by a red flag due to track repairs, affecting the drivers' practice time. Despite the disruptions, Norris managed to secure the fastest lap, showcasing McLaren's strong performance.
Why It's Important?
Norris's performance in Free Practice 1 is significant as it sets a positive tone for McLaren's strategy in the upcoming sessions and race. The disruptions highlight the challenges of the Baku City Circuit, which can impact team strategies and driver performance. Norris's lead provides McLaren with a competitive edge, crucial for their championship aspirations.
What's Next?
Teams will continue to refine their strategies based on the practice session data, preparing for the qualifying rounds. Drivers will aim to maintain or improve their positions, with McLaren focusing on capitalizing on their strong start. The upcoming sessions will be critical for finalizing race strategies.