Russell holds off Verstappen to win Azerbaijan Grand Prix

George Russell won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, resisting heavy pressure from Max Verstappen on the final lap to secure his first victory since Las Vegas 2025. Russell had built a near ten-second lead over Oscar Piastri before two safety car periods erased his advantage and bunched the field.

The first safety car was triggered when Alexander Albon locked up at Turn 5. The second came after Valtteri Bottas crashed into the wall, setting up a dramatic restart with Verstappen right behind Russell. The Red Bull driver closed to within 0.1 seconds at the finish line but could not complete the pass.

“Win every race, that's the gameplan. It's been a really tough period for me, and I'll feel like I've come out the other side.”

Isack Hadjar claimed third place for Racing Bulls, achieving his maiden Formula 1 podium. Gabriel Bortoleto finished 13th for Sauber, while Kimi Antonelli recovered from a poor start to run inside the top ten before settling outside the points.

Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll struggled with a significant straight-line speed deficit in the Aston Martin. Stroll retired for the fourth consecutive race with a mechanical failure on the AMR26, while Alonso fought near the back of the field before finishing outside the points.

Russell's victory keeps his championship hopes alive as the season enters its decisive phase. The British driver leads the Constructors' standings with Mercedes but trails his teammate in the Drivers' championship.