# Verstappen Leads Baku Practice as Mercedes Falters

> Verstappen edges out Russell in Baku practice ahead of Saturday's race.
- Title: Verstappen Leads Baku Practice as Mercedes Falters | Shortify
- Summary: Verstappen edges out Russell in Baku practice ahead of Saturday's race. Max Verstappen set fastest time in Azerbaijan GP practice, beating George Russell and…
- Keywords: max verstappen, george russell, mercedes, red bull, azerbaijan gp, qualifying, sports, Verstappen, Leads, Baku, Practice, Falters
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/f1/news/12040/13591644/azerbaijan-gp-max-verstappen-fastest-in-challenging-final-practice-to-usurp-george-russell-and-mercedes-ahead-of-qualifying
- Published: 2026-09-25T10:40:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: max verstappen, george russell, mercedes, red bull, azerbaijan gp, f1, qualifying, sports
## Practice Session Begins
Max Verstappen leads final practice at Baku City Circuit.
## Verstappen Surpasses Russell
Verstappen beats Russell by 0.099s in final practice.
## Hamilton Closes Gap
Hamilton finishes 0.111s behind Verstappen in practice.
## Mercedes Struggles
Russell narrowly avoids wall collision during practice.
## Ferrari Boosts Performance
Hamilton gains speed via car tows during practice.
## Qualifying Approaches
Qualifying starts at 1pm on Friday for Azerbaijan GP.
## Weather Challenges
Gusty conditions increase wall collision risks at Baku.
## Key takeaway

Max Verstappen set fastest time in Azerbaijan GP practice, beating George Russell and Mercedes ahead of qualifying.