WATCH: Strange red flag drama at Azerbaijan GP FP1 halts the session abruptly

The Azerbaijan GP’s first practice session (FP1) experienced a sudden and mysterious red flag, causing a brief suspension of on-track action. The stoppage left teams and drivers puzzled as there were no immediate signs of an accident or major incident.

The red flag came out at just 11 minutes into the session, with no initial explanation. Drivers and fans alike were left wondering about the cause, with no visible crashes or debris on the track at first glance. However, a few minutes later, a potential reason for the stoppage emerged.

Here is the video:

Hamilton’s decent lap interrupted by the red flag 🚩 #AzerbaijanGP pic.twitter.com/4rlouG4MJK

— Korir Edward (@f1liveke) September 13, 2024

A piece of metal had been spotted near the high-speed Turns 13 and 14, which could have caused severe damage, particularly if it had punctured a tyre. As officials investigated, concerns about the possibility of a catastrophic accident loomed, yet nothing official was confirmed during the pause.

Esteban Ocon lost power!

The stoppage didn’t last long, and the session was resumed within minutes. Meanwhile, Esteban Ocon, who had been struggling with his Alpine, was the first to return to the track, towing along the Ferrari drivers behind him. Ocon's session had been problematic even before the red flag.

The Frenchman reported power issues, his car stuck in third gear, and he barely managed to crawl back to the pits along the main straight. The frustration was clear on his face as he fought to get his Alpine back under control.

Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz faced his difficulties. The Ferrari driver went wide at Turn 7, but skillfully reversed and continued without any significant impact on his session. In contrast, Lance Stroll voiced his frustration over his Aston Martin, describing it as "not a car" after struggling to find pace, sitting in 15th position.