The Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team continues to surge with momentum, as George Russell notched his third victory of the season after surviving a late contest from Max Verstappen during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday.
Multiple yellow flags throughout the race trimmed the gap between the two drivers, eventually leading to a neck‑and‑neck battle during the latter moments of the 51st lap. Despite Verstappen managing an overtake attempt on the final straight, the British driver held firm and crossed the checkered flag first—by a mere tenth of a second.
With the victory, Russell secured his first career Grand Slam, as the 28‑year‑old dominated Baku by taking pole position, leading all laps, recording the fastest lap, and clinching the win.
“It was amazing to get back on the top step of the podium. I just want to say a big thanks to my team… they’ve continued to believe in me through tough moments. I’m really proud to have had this weekend,” Russell said postrace.
Mercedes Continues Dominance, With George Russell Leading the Way
While attention fixated on George Russell’s historic triumph, teammate and reigning points leader Kimi Antonelli delivered an impressive performance of his own. The Italian driver climbed to a 5th‑place finish after a crash in qualifying left him starting at P16.
With both drivers securing points, the UK‑based squad remains atop the Constructors’ standings with 538 points, holding a 160‑point gap over second‑placed Ferrari.
Despite Russell conceding his bid for the 2026 Drivers’ Championship, his 25‑point haul trimmed the deficit to Antonelli to 66 points, with eight races still left in the season. Though it remains a long shot, an upset is not entirely out of the question.
Red Bull Drivers Put Up Commendable Fight
Despite falling short, Red Bull managed to give Russell a scare in the closing laps, with Verstappen and returning teammate Isack Hadjar finishing P2 and P3, respectively.
The Dutch driver started in eighth but worked his way past reigning and former champions Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton. Hadjar, meanwhile, marked his return to the grid after a wrist injury with a podium finish.
The grid returns to action on Sunday, October 4, for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be held at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia.
