The Dutch driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) set the fastest time in the first free practice session of the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan in the streets of Baku. The session was marked by the accident of Mexican Sergio Pérez. Second free practice session this evening at 5 pm.
Red Bull Dutchman Max Verstappen and Australian Daniel Ricciardo have the two best time in the first free practice session of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Azerbaijan Friday on the street circuit in Baku (6.003 km). Verstappen (19) has completed the time of 1 min 44 sec 410/1000, nearly half a second faster than teammate Ricciardo (0470).
The session was marked by the accident of Mexican Sergio Pérez whose Force India was ejected by the vibrator at Turn 8. It hit the wall from the rear, the right rear wheel tearing. Testing resumed after neutralization of 13 minutes to clear the car and clean the track of debris.
ONE HOUR TO FP2@ForceIndiaF1 and @SChecoPerez will be hoping for better luck after this crash during FP1…#AzerbaijanGP ???????? #F1Baku pic.twitter.com/EOkibfu9wO
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 23, 2017
The German leader of the world championship Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) ended the session with the 3rd lap in 1: 44.967. Briton Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), first pursuing Vettel classification, achieved the fifth timer (1: 45,497), just ahead Pérez (1: 45.398). The drivers are rediscovering the Baku circuit after a first GP ran last year and won by German Nico Rosberg (Mercedes), now retired. A second practice session is scheduled at 17:00 local time (1300 GMT) for 90 minutes.
