George Russell crossed the finish line of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 0,196 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen — and with that tiny advantage reminded everyone just how thin the line is between triumph and defeat in modern Formula 1.
The Briton started from pole, led from start to finish, but two safety car periods and energy problems at the end of the race turned a confident stroll into a desperate defence. Verstappen, who started eighth, recovered positions and in the closing laps was practically breathing down the Mercedes' neck. Russell admitted after the finish: “I thought he was going to overtake us.”
The win was Russell's third of the season and his first since June. It cut his deficit to the championship leader — his teammate Kimi Antonelli — from 81 to 66 points. Antonelli, who started 16th after an incident in qualifying, finished fifth and minimised the losses.
Behind the dry numbers lies a deeper story: the psychological recovery of the 28-year-old Briton after a difficult period and his adaptation to the new 2026 regulations. Russell noted that the team continued to believe in him when the results were not coming. Now he speaks of a plan to “win every race.”
Red Bull returned to the podium with a double result: Verstappen second, Isack Hadjar — back after a wrist injury — third. It is the team's first such success since 2024. McLaren, meanwhile, faltered: both drivers retired.
In Baku, the old truth of motorsport was confirmed once again: even with dominance at the start, everything is decided in the final metres and by cool-headedness. Russell proved he can take a punch — and that changes the balance of power in the remaining eight rounds of the season.
