First free practice in Baku terminated after manhole incident

Published on 26 April 2019 by Mike Motilall

The first free practice in Azerbaijan was cancelled fifteen minutes into the session due to an incident with George Russell’s Williams. On the street circuit in Baku, the rookie ran over a manhole cover which subsequently severely damaged his car. The session was briefly halted but then cancelled shortly afterwards.

Before the start of the session, it became apparent that both Red Bull Racing teams would be running with Honda’s spec 2 engines. Nothing is wrong with the engine that has been used since the start of the season, it will remain available. So far it looks like it will be a completely dry weekend. For now no rain is expected.

Romain Grosjean is the first one to break the silence on the Baku street circuit. Lando Norris, Kevin Magnussen and Max quickly follow suit. Max has a set of the softs strapped on and, after an installation lap, returns back to the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing-team in the pits. Charles Leclerc however, is the first one to get a timed lap. The Monegasque opens with a 1:49.134, and betters this moments later to a 1:48.343.

Russell triggers a red flag fifteen minutes into the session. A manhole cover has come loose and damages his Williams severely. As a result, the track is littered with a lot of debris that needs to be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Race Control issues an alert stating that the session will be ‘significantly delayed’ because the manhole needs to be welded back shut. The stricken Williams is recovered and brought back to the pits with a truck. However, said truck hits a bridge while bringing the Williams back to the pits. As a result of the collision, a hydraulic line has been ruptured on the crane. Adding insult to injury, hydraulic fluid starts pouring down onto the already crippled Williams. Another crane is needed to retrieve Russell's car from the initial recovery truck.

Meanwhile Race Control reports that the session will not be restarted. All manholes need to be checked and the track needs to be cleaned up. This prematurely ends FP1.

Azerbaijan GP contest: win a Red Bull Racing 2019 polo!

Results first free practice Azerbaijan: