Max Verstappen tops on the first practice session of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Auto Racing General

Max Verstappen tops on the first practice session of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen claimed the top position in the first practice session of the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix after cruising past Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

After a four-week break due to the cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix, round four sees the teams take to the Baku City Circuit, a track that usually produces thrilling races.

It also sees the first of six sprint weekends, with the format of the weekend changed by F1 and the FIA.

With the Baku City Circuit hosting Formula 1's first Sprint weekend of the season and the first in a new format for 2023, Verstappen's 1:42.315 snatched first from Ferrari's Leclerc by just 0.037s, with the Dutchman's Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez a further tenth back in third.