News Summary
- Every Formula 2 driver recorded a higher finish-line speed than both Aston Martins
- Joshua Dürksen reached 326.7km/h, compared with 311km/h for Alonso and 309km/h for Stroll
- Different sessions and slipstream conditions require caution, but the comparison exposes Aston Martin’s severe straight-line deficit
Every car in the Formula 2 field recorded a higher speed across Baku’s finish line than Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll managed during Azerbaijan GP practice.
Alonso reached 311km/h in the Aston Martin, while Stroll was measured at 309km/h. By comparison, the slowest F2 figure belonged to Mari Boya at 316.4km/h—still 5.4km/h faster than Alonso and 7.4km/h faster than Stroll.
At the opposite end of the F2 list, Joshua Dürksen crossed the line at 326.7km/h, creating a difference of 15.7km/h to Alonso and 17.7km/h to Stroll.
F2 finish-line speeds in Baku
| Pos. | Driver | Finish-line speed | Difference to Alonso | Difference to Stroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | J. DÜRKSEN | 326.7km/h | +15.7km/h | +17.7km/h |
| 2 | L. VAN HOEPEN | 326.2km/h | +15.2km/h | +17.2km/h |
| 3 | M. STENSHORNE | 325.8km/h | +14.8km/h | +16.8km/h |
| 4 | N. LEÓN | 325.2km/h | +14.2km/h | +16.2km/h |
| 5 | H. YAMAKOSHI | 324.5km/h | +13.5km/h | +15.5km/h |
| 6 | A. DUNNE | 324.3km/h | +13.3km/h | +15.3km/h |
| 7 | C. SHIELDS | 323.8km/h | +12.8km/h | +14.8km/h |
| 8 | R. CÂMARA | 323.1km/h | +12.1km/h | +14.1km/h |
| 9 | R. VILLAGÓMEZ | 322.7km/h | +11.7km/h | +13.7km/h |
| 10 | G. MINÌ | 322.2km/h | +11.2km/h | +13.2km/h |
| 11 | N. TSOLOV | 322.0km/h | +11.0km/h | +13.0km/h |
| 12 | J. BENNETT | 321.7km/h | +10.7km/h | +12.7km/h |
| 13 | R. BILINSKI | 320.7km/h | +9.7km/h | +11.7km/h |
| 14 | T. INTHRAPHUVASAK | 320.1km/h | +9.1km/h | +11.1km/h |
| 15 | O. GOETHE | 320.1km/h | +9.1km/h | +11.1km/h |
| 16 | R. MIYATA | 320.1km/h | +9.1km/h | +11.1km/h |
| 17 | S. MONTOYA | 319.6km/h | +8.6km/h | +10.6km/h |
| 18 | K. MAINI | 319.5km/h | +8.5km/h | +10.5km/h |
| 19 | E. FITTIPALDI JR. | 319.5km/h | +8.5km/h | +10.5km/h |
| 20 | D. BEGANOVIC | 318.3km/h | +7.3km/h | +9.3km/h |
| 21 | C. HERTA | 317.8km/h | +6.8km/h | +8.8km/h |
| 22 | M. BOYA | 316.4km/h | +5.4km/h | +7.4km/h |
| — | F. ALONSO | 311.0km/h | — | +2.0km/h |
| — | L. STROLL | 309.0km/h | -2.0km/h | — |
Why was the entire F2 field faster?
The figures require an important qualification. They compare finish-line speeds, not complete-lap performance, and were recorded during different sessions.
Baku’s extremely long flat-out section makes slipstreaming unusually powerful. Formula 2 drivers actively seek a tow during qualifying, while Formula 1 teams use practice to evaluate different rear-wing levels, fuel loads and electrical deployment strategies.
The comparison therefore does not mean an F2 car was faster than the Aston Martin around the lap. Alonso’s 1:47.889 in FP2 remained almost six seconds quicker than the 1:53.728 F2 pole time recorded by Martinius Stenshorne.
However, the fact that all 22 F2 cars crossed the line faster than both Aston Martins cannot be dismissed as one unusually strong tow. Even the bottom of the F2 speed ranking held a substantial advantage.
Aston Martin’s figures suggest a combination of limited power-unit deployment and high aerodynamic drag. Honda had already warned that Baku would be particularly demanding because of its long full-throttle section and the need to recover and deploy electrical energy efficiently.
Alonso and Stroll finish at the bottom of FP2
The speed comparison reflected Aston Martin’s position in the overall classification. Stroll finished 21st with a 1:47.403, 4.056s behind George Russell, while Alonso ended the session last after completing only nine laps.
A suspected oil leak restricted Alonso’s programme and left him 4.542s away from Russell. Onboard footage also showed the Spaniard fighting significant vibrations through the steering wheel at high speed.
Aston Martin therefore ended Thursday with the slowest two cars over a lap and the lowest finish-line speeds when compared with the entire F2 grid.
The team’s position is further complicated by the fact that Alonso and Stroll will start the Azerbaijan GP from the back of the grid following power-unit changes.
The full session ended with Russell leading an emphatic Mercedes one-two ahead of Kimi Antonelli. FP3 begins on Friday at 09:30 UK time, followed by qualifying at 13:00.
GRANDE PRÊMIO follows every session of the Azerbaijan GP LIVE and in REAL TIME.
F1 today: FAQ
Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday?
The race takes place on Saturday, September 26, because Sunday is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. The entire programme was moved forward, with practice on Thursday and qualifying on Friday.
What time does the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix start?
The Azerbaijan GP starts at 12:00 UK, 07:00 ET and 15:00 local time on Saturday. It will run for 51 laps around the 6.003km Baku City Circuit.
Can Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 F1 championship in Azerbaijan?
Yes. Antonelli arrives in Baku with an 81-point lead over George Russell, making him mathematically capable of securing the championship. To become champion, he must leave Azerbaijan at least 75 points ahead.
Was every Formula 2 car faster than Aston Martin on the Baku straight?
Yes. All 22 F2 drivers recorded higher finish-line speeds than Alonso’s 311km/h and Stroll’s 309km/h.
