P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Azerbaijan GP practice red-flagged after bizarre strip of rubber incident
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice session was red-flagged shortly after it started due to a strange incident involving a strip of rubber.
During the session in Baku, Carlos Sainz ran over an exit kerb, causing a strip of rubber to get stuck under the kerb, leading to a delay as a marshal tried to remove it.
It was later revealed that Sainz had actually dislodged a part of the kerb itself, raising concerns about its stability without the bonding rubber.
Work is currently ongoing to ensure the affected area is safe for the drivers to continue.
Lando Norris had set the fastest time before the red flag, with George Russell and Charles Leclerc close behind in the early laps.
Championship leader Oscar Piastri faced a power unit issue that forced him to pit for investigation but was able to return to the session after the red flag was lifted.
