After missing out in 2020 due to COVID-19, the Formula One paddock returns to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

George will be aiming for another Q2 appearance in Baku, making it his sixth Q2 appearance of 2021.

It was a steady start to the race weekend as George refamiliarised himself with the 6km circuit. In FP1, the British driver completed 24 laps of the track, putting in a 1.45.452 lap time to end the morning session in P17.

In FP2, a session spotted with yellow flag incidents, George opted to not push his FW45-B to the limit and instead gain a better understanding on a track he has only experienced twice.

Over the 60-minute session, George was able to amass another 24 laps and improve his lap time to a 1.44.557. However, despite the improvement, George ended the session in P17.

George Russell – Williams Racing Driver

“It was a tough day here in Baku. Our competitors are looking a little faster than we expected, but I think with some hard work tonight and the right changes to the set-up we can find some lap time. I wasn’t pushing the boundaries massively as it’s only practice so it’s about getting the laps under my belt and finding a rhythm. Hopefully I can make it count when it matters tomorrow; Q2 is the goal for me and I think it’s possible if we can put absolutely everything together. Above all, I think the race on Sunday is going to be really interesting.”

George will be on track FP3 in Baku on Saturday June 5 from 10am BST.