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- George Russell Conquers Baku and Closes the Gap to Kimi Antonelli in the Championship
George Russell Conquers Baku and Closes the Gap to Kimi Antonelli in the Championship
George Russell converted pole position into his third victory of the season at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, holding off Max Verstappen all the way to the checkered flag. Isack Hadjar completed the podium for Red Bull.
George Russell returned to the top step of the Formula 1 podium. The Mercedes driver won at the Baku City Circuit after leading from the start and controlling much of a race that became more complicated following two Safety Car periods.
The Briton had built a comfortable advantage, but Alexander Albon’s crash brought the field back together. Another neutralization followed shortly afterward after an incident involving Franco Colapinto, Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris.
That left Max Verstappen directly behind the Mercedes for the final laps. The Red Bull driver applied pressure until the very end, but Russell crossed the finish line just 0.196 seconds ahead of the Dutchman.
Isack Hadjar, returning after missing three Grands Prix with a wrist injury, completed an impressive day for Red Bull by finishing third.
Antonelli Fights Back and Keeps the Championship Lead
One of the standout performers of the day was Kimi Antonelli. The Italian was forced to start from 16th after his qualifying crash, but managed to fight his way through the field and finish fifth.
The result allows him to retain the championship lead with 302 points, although Russell reduced the gap to 66 points and now sits on 236. Lewis Hamilton remains third with 199.
For Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez, the race proved much more difficult. The Mexican completed all 51 laps but finished 15th for Cadillac.
The victory represents Russell’s eighth career win in Formula 1 and his third of the 2026 season.
Top 10 From the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
- George Russell — Mercedes
- Max Verstappen — Red Bull
- Isack Hadjar — Red Bull
- Charles Leclerc — Ferrari
- Kimi Antonelli — Mercedes
- Lewis Hamilton — Ferrari
- Arvid Lindblad — Racing Bulls
- Esteban Ocon — Haas
- Oliver Bearman — Haas
- Carlos Sainz — Williams
Russell Closes the Gap in the Championship Fight
The victory in Baku puts Russell back on the top step of the podium for the first time since the Austrian Grand Prix and keeps his pursuit of his Mercedes teammate alive.
Key Takeaways
- George Russell secured his third victory of the season and the eighth of his Formula 1 career.
- Max Verstappen finished just 0.196 seconds behind, while Isack Hadjar completed the podium.
- Kimi Antonelli recovered from 16th to finish fifth and remains the championship leader with 302 points.
