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LIVE: 2024 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Free Practice 2
The 2024 Formula 1 season continues with the highly anticipated Azerbaijan Grand Prix. As the teams and drivers prepare for the challenges of the Baku City Circuit, all eyes are on the free practice sessions to gauge the potential frontrunners for the race. In this article, we’ll cover the key highlights from Free Practice 2, providing insights into the teams’ performance and the drivers’ adaptability to the demanding street circuit.
Max Verstappen Sets the Pace in FP1
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen began the weekend on a strong note, setting the fastest lap time in Free Practice 1. Verstappen’s time of 1:44.653 put him ahead of his closest rivals, showcasing the RB20’s impressive pace on the Baku City Circuit. However, the session was marred by incidents involving Charles Leclerc and Franco Colapinto, both of whom crashed out, disrupting the session.
Leclerc and Colapinto’s Misfortune
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Williams’ Franco Colapinto suffered crashes during FP1, bringing out red flags and causing significant delays. Leclerc lost control of his SF-23 at Turn 3, while Colapinto’s accident occurred at Turn 15. Both drivers were unharmed, but their teams faced the challenge of repairing their cars ahead of FP2.
FP2: A Crucial Session for the Teams
With limited running in FP1 due to the disruptions, Free Practice 2 became even more crucial for the teams to gather data and fine-tune their setups. The Baku City Circuit’s unique characteristics, including its long straights and tight corners, demand a delicate balance between top speed and downforce.
Unexpected Challenges and Surprises
As the teams head into Free Practice 2, they must adapt to the evolving track conditions and the challenges posed by the Baku City Circuit. The session will likely see teams experimenting with different tire compounds and setups, aiming to find the optimal balance for both qualifying and the race.
Keep an eye out for potential surprises, as the midfield battle intensifies and teams jostle for position. The likes of Alpine, Aston Martin, and McLaren will be keen to capitalize on any opportunities to close the gap to the front-runners.
Conclusion
As the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend progresses, Free Practice 2 will provide crucial insights into the teams’ performance and the drivers’ adaptability to the Baku City Circuit. With Verstappen setting the early pace and incidents affecting some of the key players, the stage is set for an intriguing session that could offer a glimpse into the potential outcomes of the race.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis from Free Practice 2 as the teams and drivers continue their preparations for the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
