Overview

• Lando Norris topped FP1 for McLaren ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri, with Charles Leclerc third as times finally fell in the closing minutes.
• A loose kerb at Turn 16 triggered a long red flag after Carlos Sainz ran over it, leaving roughly 20 minutes of meaningful running once repairs were made.
• Franco Colapinto finished 19th, narrowly ahead of Pierre Gasly, after warning the long straights would expose Alpine’s Renault engine deficit.
• Alpine designated Jack Doohan as reserve in Baku while Paul Aron handled simulator duties at Enstone.
• Flavio Briatore said Sergio Pérez called to ask about Alpine’s plans but the team had nothing available, as Cadillac proceeds with a temporary Silverstone base, an Indianapolis factory build and exclusive use of Toyota’s Cologne wind tunnel.