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The streets of Baku are buzzing with anticipation as Formula 1 qualifying is about to commence for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The competition promises to be as fierce as ever, with Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes each topping one of the three free practice sessions, highlighting just how evenly matched the front-runners are.
Max Verstappen’s blistering lap times in the first free practice session left the paddock in awe. Red Bull’s championship leader showcased the immense power of his RB19, clocking the fastest time in FP1 with a precise balance between raw speed and cornering ability on the narrow, high-speed city circuit. Teammate Sergio Perez closely followed, signaling that the Milton Keynes-based team is primed for another strong performance. Red Bull’s strength on street circuits has been a hallmark of their success in recent years, and Baku appears no different.
Ferrari fired back in the second free practice, with Charles Leclerc storming to the top of the timesheets. After struggling in previous races with tire degradation and inconsistent pace, the Scuderia seems to have found a better balance with their SF-23. Leclerc’s ability to navigate Baku’s complex mixture of long straights and slow corners suggested that Ferrari could be a serious threat for pole position.
Mercedes, often known for playing their cards close to the chest, emerged as the fastest in FP3, with George Russell topping the session. Lewis Hamilton wasn’t far behind, hinting that the Silver Arrows could spoil the party. After a shaky start to the season, Mercedes seems to be finding its footing just in time for the business end of the weekend. The team’s ability to improve the W14 through continuous upgrades has kept them in the hunt.
With Red Bull’s straight-line speed, Ferrari’s newfound balance, and Mercedes’ resilience, the fight for pole position promises to be a nail-biter. Fans around the world are bracing for what could be one of the most unpredictable qualifying sessions of the season.