Red Bull driver Sergio Perez fastest at Azerbaijan Grand Prix first practice session, Lewis Hamilton places sixth

Updated 10/06/2022 at 12:33 GMT

Red Bull's Sergio Perez looks more than ready to challenge teammate Max Verstappen for the title after finishing top of the first practice leaderboards, brimming with confidence just two weeks after winning the Monaco Grand Prix. Clocking 1:45.476, he finished ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in second and teammate Verstappen in third.

Sergio Perez

Image credit: Getty Images

Red Bull's Sergio Perez set the fastest time at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix first practice session.

The 32-year-old currently sits third in the championship behind Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, but edged out both in an impressive session.

The Mexican continues to add to this title credentials and looked full of confidence just two weeks after winning the Monaco Grand Prix.

Bahrain Grand Prix

Hamilton describes shock Ferrari move as 'hardest decision I've ever had to make'

23/02/2024 at 15:35

He clocked the fastest lap at 1:45.476, just over a tenth of a second ahead of Leclerc, and over three tenths of a second ahead of Verstappen.

At the halfway stage, Perez was 68 hundredths behind Verstappen, but looked the stronger driver as Red Bull switched to soft tyres.

Leclerc's teammate Carlos Sainz completed the top four.

Lewis Hamilton's struggles continued as his car continued to porpoise, and he was forced to bail into the side lane around the turn to avoid damaging his car.

And even after Mercedes adjusted the front suspension on both of their cars, Hamilton - along with several other drives - appeared to struggle down a the bumpy straight.

Remarkably, the seven-time world champion recovered to finish just over a second behind Perez to finish sixth.

Early in the race, drivers were forced to slow down when Mick Schumacher's Haas began leaking water, sending him off at Turn 12.

And moments later a Virtual Safety Car was introduced as Nicholas Latifi was forced off in the second sector after losing power, explaining on the radio that his car 'just died'.

Formula 1

Verstappen says Hamilton could face 'awkward, weird' last season with Mercedes

15/02/2024 at 23:54

Season 2024

'Emotional' Hamilton determined for success ahead of Ferrari move as Mercedes launch new car

14/02/2024 at 17:32

Formula 1

Alonso: Hamilton's switch to Ferrari can bring 'extra to fight for championship'

12/02/2024 at 13:27

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me