@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialA PADDOCK CATCH-UP
Lily He, Rebecca Donaldson and Lily Zneimer gathered around a table in the paddock to enjoy some time together, with this proving to be a particularly popular race weekend for drivers’ wives and girlfriends.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialOPENING EVENTS
George Russell held his position through the opening lap, with Oscar Piastri now the car behind him. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli has dropped one position and finds himself down in P17.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialON BRAND
Nico Hulkenberg passes his team logo located on the hospitality suite ahead of today’s race. He’ll start from P18, hoping to add to the seven points he has secured so far this year.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialISACK RISING
I photographed Isack Hadjar coming up the escalator from the Marriott Hotel this morning, and interestingly, security had no qualms about letting Isack through the same passageway that they stopped Kimi Antonelli from using two days ago.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialHE HAS HIS WORK CUT OUT
Kimi Antonelli has it all to do today, starting the Grand Prix outside the points. He comes into the race with an 81-point lead over teammate George Russell, who starts from pole.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialNOT TAKING THE SCENIC ROUTE
Lewis Hamilton arrived this morning taking a more well-trodden route through the paddock than he often does, ahead of today’s race where he’ll start from P6.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialCAN HE REPEAT HIS 2025 PERFORMANCE?
Last year, Carlos Sainz secured his first podium for Williams on a momentous day for the Spaniard. He has added one more podium since then. Could he recreate last year’s performance today?
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialA YOUNGER AND BETTER TOTO
Not my words, those are the words of Cadillac Team Principal Marcin Budkowski. The likeable Pole is loving life at his new team so far, and is roughly the same height as Mercedes’ Toto Wolff. Two fine fellows.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialGEORGE PICKS BRISBANE FOR THE AFL GRAND FINAL
I asked Mercedes driver George Russell who he’d back in today’s AFL Grand Final in Melbourne, Fremantle or Brisbane, and he went with the Lions. I’m with him on that one!
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialHOW THEY LINE UP
When the lights go out later today, George Russell will lead the field away with Charles Leclerc alongside him.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialALL TO DO
Kimi Antonelli made contact with the wall in Q1, but his lap was still fast enough to see him through to Q2.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialSMOOTH OPERATOR
Carlos Sainz will start tomorrow’s Grand Prix from P9 after getting his Williams into Q3. It’s the first time Williams have reached the final qualifying session ahead of a Grand Prix in 2026, could this be a step forward for the team?
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialFASTEST OF THE DAY
George Russell topped the timing charts for a second time today, going fastest in both practice sessions. Mercedes are certainly showing strong pace around Baku.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialRED FLAG FOR ARVID
Arvid Lindblad made contact with the barriers between Turns 8 & 9 in FP2. Arvid is out of the car and ok.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialLANDO IN CASUAL GEAR
Lando Norris checks in for work today wearing a hoodie from TwoJeys. It’s not the first time we’ve seen Lando wearing the label in the paddock, with him previously sporting pieces from both their clothing and jewellery lines.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialMODEL MATERIAL
Fernando Alonso was doing his bit for the sponsors this morning, arriving at the paddock in an outfit from Boss.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialGOOD TO BE BACK
Isack Hadjar was in high spirits in the paddock this morning, having had his 2027 Red Bull contract confirmed. He had minimal strapping on his left wrist, so it will be interesting to see whether the injury causes him any trouble this weekend.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialUNDER THE LIGHTS
Pierre Gasly walked through the paddock this morning in high spirits, and I was lucky enough to catch him in this beautiful warm light. I think it made for a lovely shot.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialHERE'S YOUR REMINDER
Checo wants to remind you that we’re racing on Saturday here in Baku! F1 normally races on Sundays, but with Memorial Day falling this weekend, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has been brought forward. Today, Wednesday, is media day.
@kymillmanf1.bsky.socialLINE-UP LOCKED IN
Red Bull Racing have confirmed that their driver line-up will remain unchanged for 2027. Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar will remain with the team next season, following the news earlier today that Isack has signed a new contract.
