Leclerc recovers from earlier crash to lead second practice by 0.006s · RaceFans

Charles Leclerc rebounded from his crash in first practice to set the fastest time in the second session in Baku, just ahead of Sergio Perez.

The Ferrari driver left his crew with an extensive repair job to do after he hit the barriers at turn 15. Despite complaining of his newly-rebuilt car’s handling early on in the session, Leclerc went on to set the best time of the day with a 1’43.484 on the soft tyres.

That was just six-thousandths of a second quicker than Perez, who seemed to be the most comfortable of the two Red Bull drivers. Championship leader Max Verstappen was only sixth-fastest in the session, over half a second slower than his team mate and almost hit the wall at turn five at one stage.

Lewis Hamilton was third-fastest for Mercedes, another driver within a tenth of Leclerc’s best. But his team mate had a troubled session.

George Russell was delayed at the start by a power unit change after Mercedes detected a potential problem after analysing the oil in his car. Russell ended the session ninth-quickest having completed the fewest laps of any driver, with just 16.

Carlos Sainz Jnr was fourth for Ferrari, but he may be in trouble with the stewards who are investigating him for potentially impeding Perez in a frightening near-miss through the high speed kink at turn 13. Oscar Piastri was the quickest of the two McLarens in fifth, with Norris well down the order after having to take avoiding action to miss Pierre Gasly on his first push lap on soft tyres.

Lance Stroll had a happier second session after change of floor on his Aston Martin. He was seventh, ahead of Nico Hulkenberg. Oliver Bearman ensured both Haas drivers appeared in the top 10, earning praise from race engineer Mark Slade after the hour.

After his first practice crash, Franco Colapinto survived the session without crashing out – but only just. He clipped the wall at the tight turn eight with his right-rear wheel, but appeared to avoid major damage. He ended the session 14th, fractionally slower than team mate Alexander Albon.

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