BAKU CITY, Azerbaijan — George Russell survived a late challenge from Max Verstappen to secure his third victory of the season in a dramatic Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The Mercedes driver built on a strong start to control the first half of the race, leaving Oscar Piastri to defend against the charging Red Bull pair of Verstappen and Isack Hadjar while Russell extended his lead.
An error from Williams’ Alex Albon shook up the race as the Safety Car was deployed and the Briton battled to hold on at the restart, but the action was halted for a second time when Franco Colapinto locked up, taking out his Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly and McLaren’s Lando Norris.
With the field neutralized again, Russell came under immense pressure from Verstappen on the final laps and ultimately crossed the line just one tenth ahead, denying the Dutchman what could’ve been his first win of the season.
Russell headed into the event 81 points behind Antonelli, but trimmed that gap to 66.
It marks Russell’s first Grand Prix victory since Austria in June, and his third of the 2026 season so far, comparing to the eight Antonelli has achieved up to this point.
“It’s amazing to be back on the top step of the podium,” Russell said. “I just want to say a big thanks to my team, because they continued to believe in me through tough moments, helped me come through it. I’m really proud to have had this weekend.”
Isack Hadjar was third to clinch a double podium for Red Bull, with Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli taking P4 and P5 – the Italian made the most of the chaos in front to improve from 16th to the points.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton was a lonely sixth ahead of Arvid Lindblad, who beat Esteban Ocon to seventh over the line.
Ollie Bearman and Carlos Sainz as Haas celebrated scoring for the first time since the Monaco Grand Prix.
