Did Mercedes struggle in final practice at the Azerbaijan GP?

Yes, Mercedes showed weaknesses in one-lap pace and balance in certain sectors, prompting setup adjustments before qualifying.

Which teams looked strongest in Baku final practice?

Red Bull and Ferrari posted the most encouraging times and low-drag balance, making them the primary threats to Mercedes going into qualifying.

Will final practice predict who gets pole?

Not definitively — final practice reveals tendencies, but qualifying remains decisive; late setup tweaks and tyre strategy can change the order quickly.

Baku Shake-Up: Mercedes Exposed — Rivals Roar Back in Final Practice

The final practice session in Baku finished more like an audition than a run-through, with Mercedes visibly on the back foot and their rivals smelling blood. Red Bull and Ferrari turned in sharper one-lap pace across the long straights and tricky sectors, forcing Mercedes to hunt for answers under the low sun. The paddock hummed: upgrades, wing trims and engine maps were being discussed in urgent, clipped tones.

Numbers matter here and the numbers stung Mercedes. Sector splits showed the W-car losing time on the medium-speed sweepers and understeer into the final corner, while rivals found better compromise between top speed and stability. That said, Mercedes' long-run data still hints at race pace resilience — if they can cure the qualifying wobble, they can be dangerous on Sunday.

Strategy will decide how this weekend unfolds: tyre choice, DRS windows and set-up gambles on the unforgiving Baku walls. Expect teams to hide final bullets until qualifying; track evolution and temperature swings could flip the pecking order in an hour. Risk is high — one mistake on a street circuit erases all the hard work — and teams who balance aggression with caution will reap the reward.

The Guru's read is clear: Red Bull arrive with the edge and Ferrari are breathing down Mercedes' neck, but nothing is settled until Q3 ends. My recommendation — watch for late wing trims and engine modes in Q2; if Mercedes solves its balance, they will claw back starting positions, but the safe bet for pole remains Red Bull. I expect Verstappen on pole, Mercedes to fight back into the top three and a tense, tactical race to follow.