Valtteri Bottas set the fastest time in the first practice of the Azerbaidjan Grand Prix. The Mercedes managed to do an outstanding lap in 1:44.242. Daniel Ricciardo continued his good form and finished just 0.055 behind Bottas. Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton finished, nearly a second his Mercedes team mate.

Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez were the biggest surprises of the first practice session. The Force India drivers managed somehow to get inside the top ten. Ocon finished fifth, while Perez finished third. Between them, Max Verstappen completed the top five.

Inside the top ten, we also had Fernando Alonso, Sergey Sirotkin, Pierre Gasly and Sebastian Vettel. Ferrari's form was the biggest shock in FP1. The Scuderia had a lacklustre free practice, with Vettel finishing ninth and Raikkonen further down below, in 15th.

Behind Raikkonen, Charles Leclerc once again was the fastest Sauber driver. The Monegasque set the 16th fastest time in FP1, while his team mate, Marcus Ericsson finished in P17. The other drivers who set a lap in FP1 were Kevin Magnussen, Stoffel Vandoorne and Carlos Sainz Jr. 

FP2 will commence at 2 PM GMT time. 

Paul Athes