George Russell wins 10th Formula 1 race in Azerbaijan

Mercedes driver George Russell claimed victory in the 10th anniversary Formula 1 race in Azerbaijan.

The Briton dominated the entire race weekend and secured the first Grand Slam of his Formula 1 career.

Russell topped both practice sessions in Baku on Thursday before taking pole position on Friday. Starting from the front of the grid, the Mercedes driver led every lap of the race and also set the fastest lap.

It was Russell’s first victory in Baku, his third of the season and the eighth of his Formula 1 career.

Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar finished second and third respectively. It marked the first time since the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix that both Red Bull drivers had finished on the podium.

As has so often been the case in Baku, the race delivered plenty of drama, with McLaren enduring a particularly difficult afternoon. On lap 36, Alpine driver Franco Colapinto locked up into Turn 1 and collided with team-mate Pierre Gasly. The impact sent Gasly’s car into the path of Lando Norris, who then hit the wall. All three drivers were forced to retire.

The Safety Car was deployed following the incident. After the restart, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri locked up at Turn 1 while battling Isack Hadjar and went off the track. The Australian, who had been fighting for third place, rejoined down in 15th.

In the closing stages, attention turned to the battle between Russell and Verstappen for victory. From around lap 40, the Red Bull driver began to put increasing pressure on the leader as the gap between the pair continued to shrink. Russell held his nerve, however, and crossed the line just 0.196 seconds ahead of Verstappen.

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli recovered from a difficult qualifying session to make up ground during the race and finish fifth.

The 10th anniversary Formula 1 race in Azerbaijan once again delivered close racing and unexpected twists, living up to Baku’s “Expect the Unexpected” slogan.

George Russell became the eighth different driver to win at the Baku City Circuit. Across 10 years of Formula 1 racing in Baku, only two drivers — Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen — have managed to win here twice.