Azerbaijan GP practice red-flagged after bizarre strip of rubber incident

Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice was red-flagged minutes into the session after a bizarre incident involving a strip of rubber.

Early in the 60-minute-long session Baku, Carlos Sainz ran over the exit kerb at Turn 16 before the long pit-straight, with a strip of rubber becoming detached and stuck under the kerb as a marshal tried to pull it out. 

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane then confirmed that Sainz had actually dislodged a piece of the kerb itself, with the delay owing to concerns that the kerb was not as secure as before the incident, due to the strip of bonding rubber being removed.

The delay remains ongoing whilst work is carried out to ensure the area is safe. 

Lando Norris sits atop the times from George Russell and Charles Leclerc in the early laps completed before the suspension. 

Championship leader Oscar Piastri was forced to pit before the red flag with a power unit issue developing onboard his MCL39, prompting an investigation from the team, but was able to rejoin the session once the red flag was lifted.