Max Verstappen set the fastest time in the final practice session (FP3) ahead of the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowly beating George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. His best lap of 1:43.922 on the Baku street circuit placed him just ahead of Russell by 0.099 seconds and Hamilton by 0.111 seconds, marking a competitive end to the practice rounds before qualifying.
The session was marked by challenging conditions, with strong winds blowing dust and leaves onto the track. This led teams to delay their runs at the start of FP3 as drivers navigated the tricky surface. Verstappen’s lap included moments where he brushed the walls, and he noted that the car felt “very numb” in Turn 16 due to the wind, highlighting the difficulties of the Baku circuit’s street layout.
Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli began the session on medium tyres before switching to soft compounds later, with Russell posting competitive times but ultimately unable to surpass Verstappen’s final effort. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton secured third place in the session, followed closely by Antonelli in fourth and Charles Leclerc in fifth. Other notable performers included Pierre Gasly in sixth and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris rounding out the top ten.
The session also saw several drivers pushing the limits of the circuit, with some running wide or making light contact with barriers. George Russell nearly lost control at Turn 7, illustrating the fine margins at play on this demanding street track. Meanwhile, Lance Stroll ended his session early after damaging his Aston Martin on the wall at Turn 1, an incident that curtailed his running.
Other teams represented in the session included Alpine, Cadillac, Haas, Audi, Williams, and Racing Bulls, with drivers such as Pierre Gasly, Sergio Perez, Esteban Ocon, and Liam Lawson all taking part. The variety of teams and drivers showcased the depth of competition as the weekend progressed.
FP3 in Baku set the stage for the qualifying session later the same day, with Verstappen’s pace underlining Red Bull Racing’s ongoing strength on this circuit. The session’s conditions and incidents highlighted the challenges drivers face on the narrow, fast streets of Baku, where precision and control remain crucial.
Overall, the final practice session provided a clear indication of the competitive order heading into qualifying, with Verstappen, Russell, and Hamilton leading the way. The session’s developments will be closely considered by teams as they prepare their strategies for the upcoming qualifying battle.