George Russell leads opening Azerbaijan GP practice from Max Verstappen as Kimi Antonelli suffers hydraulic issue

George Russell led the way during the opening one-hour session in Baku.

George Russell finished fastest in Free Practice 1 ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver leading Max Verstappen as Kimi Antonelli's session was cut short by a mechanical issue.

Russell topped the opening one-hour session after posting a 1m 45.387s, leaving him four tenths clear of Verstappen, as Ferrari's Charles Leclerc completed the top three.

A flurry of cars headed out on track once the green light appeared at the end of the pit lane at 1230 local time, with drivers immediately met by a dusty and slippery track surface on the streets of Baku.

Isack Hadjar, making his return after missing the last three rounds due to a wrist injury, complained about the brakes on his Red Bull pulling to one side, while McLaren's Oscar Piastri reported vibrations in the opening minutes.