Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen posted the fastest lap during the third free practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday, September 25, 2026. The Dutch driver recorded a benchmark time of 1m43s922 in the final moments of running, securing the top spot in round 14 of the world championship.
The flying lap halted the early dominance of Mercedes, which had swept the opening two practice runs on Thursday (24) with George Russell. Russell concluded the final session in second place, trailing Verstappen by 0.099 seconds, while Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton took third with an effort 0.111 seconds off the leading pace.
Late soft tire runs reshape running order at Baku City Circuit
Crews began their programs in cool track conditions, leaving the street circuit quiet as midfield contenders briefly controlled the top of the timing screens. Ferrari soon set the pace once soft compound tires were introduced, trading the quickest sector times between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Mercedes answered during the latter half of the hour with competitive runs on medium and soft compounds, keeping George Russell in first position until the final two minutes, when Verstappen delivered the winning lap before executing an undamaged spin as the session timer expired.
Verstappen’s late off-track excursion triggered a local yellow flag in the final sector of the venue. The brief slowdown did not alter the classification, confirming his position atop the 22-car field.
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Timing results across top contenders in final practice
The top drivers completed their final qualifying simulations with narrow margins separating the leading teams. The resulting classification registered competitive marks through the field:
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – 1m43s922
- George Russell (Mercedes) – 1m44s021 (+0s099)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 1m44s033 (+0s111)
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1m44s273 (+0s351)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1m44s544 (+0s622)
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) – 1m45s854 (+1s932)
Strong winds and Turn 1 barrier contact disrupt track action
The street venue presented several operational hazards that required race control to intervene during the hour. High wind gusts carried loose debris and tree branches across the racing line, prompting marshals to trigger the Virtual Safety Car system to neutralize vehicle speeds and clear the tarmac.
Action was disrupted further when Lance Stroll struck the outside barrier at Turn 1 with the left-front corner of his Aston Martin. The Canadian competitor retired from the session on the spot with heavy suspension damage and returned on foot to the pit lane.
Aston Martin personnel have not specified the total scope of the mechanical damage on Stroll’s machine. The organization has also not confirmed whether component replacements will mandate grid penalties for the race.
Audi evaluates major upgrade package through Gabriel Bortoleto
Gabriel Bortoleto completed his run in 13th position after setting a personal best of 1m45s854. The Brazilian driver outpaced his Audi garage colleague, Nico Hülkenberg, who settled for 15th place on the timing sheets. Audi brought an extensive development package featuring 14 aerodynamic and mechanical revisions to Baku, aiming to accelerate the development curve of its car during its debut season in Formula 1.
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Despite finishing ahead of his teammate, Bortoleto reported persistent handling problems throughout his timed laps around the barriers. “I cannot explain it,” Bortoleto stated when assessing the recurring grip limitations on his chassis.
Championship margins remain wide ahead of afternoon qualifying run
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the 14th stop on the 2026 racing calendar. In the Drivers’ Championship standings, Andrea Kimi Antonelli holds the lead with 292 points, maintaining an 81-point advantage over second-placed George Russell, who carries 211 points. Bortoleto sits in 14th place with 10 points collected so far.
Competitors return to the Baku City Circuit on Friday (25) at 09:00 Brasília time to contest the qualifying hour that establishes the starting grid for the Grand Prix.