# Russell Leads Baku Practice as Antonelli Recovers

> George Russell dominates Azerbaijan GP practice with Kimi Antonelli recovering from hydraulic issues
- Title: Russell Leads Baku Practice as Antonelli Recovers · Sky Sports
- Summary: George Russell dominates Azerbaijan GP practice with Kimi Antonelli recovering from hydraulic issues Russell maintains championship lead with Antonelli…
- Keywords: george russell, kimi antonelli, azerbaijan gp, mercedes, baku, f1 2026, drivers championship, sports, Russell, Leads, Practice, Antonelli
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/f1/news/12040/13591253/azerbaijan-gp-george-russell-fastest-in-second-practice-ahead-of-kimi-antonelli-in-dominant-start-in-baku
- Published: 2026-09-24T14:10:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: george russell, kimi antonelli, azerbaijan gp, mercedes, baku, f1 2026, drivers championship, sports
## Russell fastest
George Russell set fastest time in second practice session ahead of Kimi Antonelli by 0.552s

> We lost quite a few laps in FP1 and missing half of FP2 is never ideal
## Antonelli's recovery
Antonelli returned after engine change to finish second after hydraulic leak in first session

> Overall, I feel like it was a good recovery. I feel quite good in the car
## Verstappen third
Max Verstappen finished third with 0.827s behind Russell in upgraded Red Bull car
## Championship gap
Antonelli leads Russell by 81 points in 2026 Drivers' Championship chase
## Practice timesheet
Russell fastest in second practice with 1:43.347, Antonelli 0.552s behind
## Team performance
Mercedes lead with Russell and Antonelli, Red Bull third with Verstappen
## Baku circuit
Challenging street circuit in Baku with narrow sections affecting car precision
## Key takeaway

Russell maintains championship lead with Antonelli closing gap after repair