Kimi Antonelli has commented on Max Verstappen’s ability to react swiftly to on-track situations, labelling the Red Bull driver an ‘unknown quantity’ during free practice sessions. Antonelli stated that Verstappen possesses an ‘incredible vision of the race and how to position the car’.
The Mercedes driver elaborated that Verstappen ‘can read a situation very well and find an opening to gain a position in a very short time’. Antonelli finds it ‘fascinating to watch’ how Verstappen consistently ‘manages to find something extra’ when it is crucial.
These remarks follow a challenging start to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend for Antonelli. During the first free practice session on Thursday, his Mercedes W17 suffered a hydraulic issue.
The mechanical failure forced Antonelli to stop his car at Turn 7 of the Baku City Circuit, with smoke visible from the rear of the vehicle. Marshals attended the scene, deploying extinguisher fluid.
Mercedes subsequently opted to change Antonelli’s power unit as a precautionary measure for the second free practice session. This incident cost the championship leader significant track time in FP1.
Despite the earlier setback, Max Verstappen topped the third free practice session on Friday morning at the Baku City Circuit. The Red Bull driver recorded a fastest lap of 1m43.922s.
George Russell, driving for Mercedes, secured the second-fastest time, just 0.099 seconds behind Verstappen with a 1m44.021s. Lewis Hamilton in the Ferrari placed third, clocking a 1m44.033s.
Antonelli finished the session in fourth position with a time of 1m44.273s, 0.351 seconds off Verstappen’s pace. Charles Leclerc completed the top five for Ferrari.
Verstappen, despite his leading time, reported that his RB22 felt ‘numb’ in Turn 16 during the session, indicating ongoing car feedback. Red Bull introduced a five-part upgrade package in Baku, confirmed as their final major update for the 2026 season.
The team’s focus is now largely shifting towards the development of their 2027 car. This strategic decision was confirmed by Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies.
Antonelli currently leads the 2026 Drivers’ Championship by 81 points over his Mercedes teammate George Russell. While he cannot secure the title in Azerbaijan, the earliest opportunity for him to clinch the championship is during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.
The full results for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Free Practice 3 are as follows:
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 1m43.922s
2. George Russell (Mercedes) 1m44.021s
3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) 1m44.033s
4. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) 1m44.273s
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m44.544s
6. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) 1m44.637s
7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 1m44.746s
8. Lando Norris (McLaren) 1m44.899s
9. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) 1m45.176s
10. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) 1m45.592s
