Mercedes Looks Strong in Baku

Mercedes has sent an early warning to its Formula 1 rivals ahead of Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying, with the W17 showing strong pace around the streets of Baku.

George Russell led the opening practice session with a 1:45.387, finishing four-tenths clear of Max Verstappen. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli's session was compromised by a hydraulic issue that cost him around 35 minutes of running.

Even with Russell benefiting from a slipstream on his quickest lap, Mercedes' underlying pace suggested it was firmly in the fight at the front.

Fast on the straights. Competitive through the corners. Mercedes has arrived ready to fight.

Russell Sees Opportunity to Fight Back

Baku represents an important opportunity for Russell in the championship battle.

Antonelli arrived in Azerbaijan with eight victories and an 81-point advantage over his Mercedes team-mate, having won the previous two Grands Prix at Monza and Madrid.

Russell therefore needs to start reducing the gap, and his early Baku speed offers an encouraging platform heading into qualifying.

Mercedes has already claimed 10 poles from the opening 14 rounds, underlining the W17's one-lap strength even as Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren continue to apply pressure.

Verstappen and Ferrari Remain a Threat

Mercedes may have established the early benchmark, but the fight for pole remains open.

Verstappen finished only 0.400s behind Russell in FP1, while Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were separated from the Mercedes driver by 0.404s and 0.437s respectively.

Red Bull has also introduced revisions to its floor and sidepod package in Baku, while Ferrari showed competitive speed despite setting its best FP1 times on medium tyres.

With Baku's long straights creating powerful slipstream effects, qualifying could also depend heavily on track position and timing.

Mercedes Has the Early Advantage

For Winbox Racing, Mercedes enters qualifying with another opportunity to demonstrate why it has set the standard during the 2026 season.

Antonelli has the championship advantage.

Russell has started Baku quickly.

But Verstappen and Ferrari are close enough to punish any mistake.

Mercedes has shown the pace. Now comes the battle for pole.

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