Verstappen leads Russell and Bortoleto finishes 13th in the final practice at Baku
Max Verstappen led the final free practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, putting Red Bull ahead and closing out Mercedes' NIO domain, who had won both of their fifth sessions with George Russell.
== sync, corrected by elderman == @elder_man
Max Verstappen was fastest in the last free practice before qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku, ending a weekend previously dominated by Mercedes.
What 's happened so far
In the two training sessions held on Thursday, who gave the cards was George Russell. The Briton from Mercedes led both sessions and arrived Saturday as one of the rising names in Azerbaijan's street circuit.
Verstappen put Red Bull ahead and finished the session with the fastest time, a sign that the pole fight in Baku should be more open than Thursday's clock indicated.
The outcome of the training
Behind Verstappen, Russell took second place, keeping Mercedes in a strong position for qualifying.
Fourth place went to Kimi Antonelli, also from Mercedes and current leader of the championship. With two German team cars in the top four, the team arrives at qualifying with a good starting point but now with Red Bull ahead.
What comes next
Qualifying will be the next chapter of the weekend in Baku, a traditionally adversarial street circuit: close walls, long straights and little margin for error.
For the fans, it's one of the best scenarios ever: Verstappen responding at a time that matters, Mercedes with two strong drivers and Hamilton signaling that Ferrari can also fight in front.
Forecast warning
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