Lando Norris tops FP3 in Baku, leading Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri as drivers struggle with high winds in ‘Azerbaijan GP’ practice.
Introduction
If you thought Baku always brings chaos on race day, Free Practice 3 just proved the drama begins much earlier. Under clear skies but with wild winds whipping through the city streets, Lando Norris set the pace ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. Drivers weren’t just fighting each other—they were fighting the elements. With qualifying looming, the session gave us a taste of what’s to come in this unpredictable Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend.
The Setting: A Windy Morning in Baku
The streets of Baku are notorious for their narrow walls and high-speed straights, but on Saturday morning, it wasn’t just the track that tested the drivers. Overnight rain had washed away Friday’s rubber, leaving the surface green and slippery. Add in strong gusts of wind, and drivers faced a cocktail of unpredictability.
Why Winds Made FP3 a Real Challenge
Imagine trying to balance a tray of drinks while running into a storm—one wrong step and everything’s gone. That’s what drivers faced, especially under braking zones. The gusts unsettled cars, making it harder to judge corner entries and exits. Turn 4 and Turn 16 became hotspots for mistakes, showing just how tricky conditions were.
Early Drama: Bearman Runs Wide
Haas rookie Ollie Bearman was the first to struggle, heading straight into the run-off at Turn 4 within the opening minutes. His radio summed it up perfectly: “It’s challenging with this wind.” And he wasn’t alone—many drivers delayed heading out, preferring to wait until conditions settled slightly.
McLaren’s Redemption After a Tough Friday
For Norris and Piastri, FP3 was about redemption. Both had messy Fridays, with Norris even brushing the wall in FP2. This time, McLaren came out swinging. The team opted for soft tyres early, sending both drivers out to bank competitive times. It was a bold move that paid off, especially for Norris.
Ferrari’s Early Show of Strength
Charles Leclerc has a special relationship with Baku, having taken pole here four times. True to form, he set the early pace with a 1m 43.048s lap. But it wasn’t flawless—he ran deep into the final braking zone, showing that even he wasn’t immune to the tricky conditions.
Lewis Hamilton’s Fight to Stay on Track
Hamilton, Ferrari’s latest star signing, also had his share of drama. A moment at Turn 3 forced him off track, but the Briton quickly regrouped. Soon after, he was back in the mix, reminding everyone of his resilience and hunger after Friday’s promising showing.
Track Evolution: Times Begin to Fall
As the session wore on, the track “rubbered in” again, and lap times dropped significantly. Drivers pushed harder, and the competition tightened. Leclerc improved to a 1m 42.354s, brushing the wall at Turn 7 in the process. But others were just starting to unlock their potential.
Verstappen Lays Down the Gauntlet
Just when it looked like Ferrari had things under control, Verstappen showed why he’s still the man to beat. The Red Bull ace became the first driver to break the 1m 42s barrier, laying down a 1m 41.727s. It was a statement of intent heading into qualifying simulations.
Norris Responds with Session-Best Lap
Norris wasn’t about to let Verstappen steal the spotlight. In a perfectly executed lap, he clocked 1m 41.223s, the best time across all practice sessions so far. It was a clear signal: McLaren is very much in the fight this weekend.
Piastri’s Mistakes and Recovery
Oscar Piastri, leading the Drivers’ Championship, had a tougher time. He suffered oversteer at Turn 4, forcing him to abandon a flying lap. On his next attempt, he ran wide at Turn 1. Though he eventually set a solid time, he remained three-tenths off Norris and had to settle for third behind Verstappen.
Mercedes Finds Encouragement
Behind the leading trio, Hamilton slotted into fourth, closely followed by teammates Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. For Mercedes, a team seeking consistency, this was a promising sign. Their performance suggested they could be dark horses in qualifying.
The Midfield Mix: Who Stood Out?
Alex Albon impressed once again for Williams, sneaking into the top 10. Bearman showed pace despite his early mishap, while Liam Lawson pulled off a dramatic 360-degree spin but kept his car intact. Each of these drivers reminded us why the midfield fight in F1 is often the most entertaining.
Leclerc’s Struggles Despite Early Promise
Despite starting strong, Leclerc couldn’t improve late in the session. A mistake at Turn 4 on his final push lap left him 10th, well below his usual Baku standards. It was a frustrating result for the Monegasque, who has built a reputation here as a qualifying specialist.
Surprises at the Bottom of the Timesheet
Further down, big names like Yuki Tsunoda, Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly found themselves struggling. Even Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll couldn’t break into the top 15, a reminder that in Baku, nothing comes easy.
What FP3 Means for Qualifying Ahead
Norris’s pace sets the stage for an exciting qualifying showdown. Verstappen looks sharp, Piastri has ground to make up, and Ferrari must rediscover their magic. With winds expected to continue, drivers will need not just speed but also precision and patience.
Conclusion
FP3 in Baku wasn’t just another practice—it was a battle of survival against nature. Norris emerged as the hero of the session, but Verstappen and Piastri remain right on his tail. With qualifying just hours away, fans can expect fireworks on the streets of Azerbaijan. If FP3 was the appetizer, qualifying promises to be a feast.
FAQs
1. Who topped FP3 in Baku?
Lando Norris set the fastest time in FP3 with a 1m 41.223s.
2. Why were conditions tricky during FP3?
High winds and a washed-out track from overnight rain made braking zones and corner entries very difficult.
3. How did Max Verstappen perform in FP3?
Verstappen finished second with a 1m 41.727s, staying close to Norris.
4. Did Oscar Piastri face any issues?
Yes, Piastri suffered oversteer and went off at Turn 1 but still managed to secure third place.
5. What can we expect in qualifying?
A tight battle between Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri, with Ferrari and Mercedes lurking as challengers.
