Formula 1

George Russell wins tense Azerbaijan GP from Verstappen and Hadjar

Fraser Masefield
3 weeks ago
5 min read

George Russell won an Azerbaijan Grand Prix that was slow to the boil, beating Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar to the flag after a double Safety Car situation provided late drama.


From Thursday’s first practice session, Russell had his Mercedes on rails, and he continued his momentum into race day, maintaining his lead off the line.

And on a circuit that has a history of crashes and Safety Car situations, the race developed into an intriguing battle.

It led to a fabulous final few laps, Russell fighting tooth and nail to hold off Verstappen to the flag.

Kimi Antonelli, starting from the back of the grid after an uncharacteristic error in qualifying, recovered well to finish fifth.

“It’s amazing to be back on the top step of the podium today,” commented Russell afterwards.

“I do want to say a big thanks to my team because, you know, they’ve continued to believe in me through a tough moment, helped me come through it.

“I’m really proud to have had this weekend. The first half of the race felt pretty plain sailing, good of a gap safety car restart.

“Especially when I saw Max behind, I thought, you know, it’s not going to be easy.”

THE TALE OF THE RACE

On a street circuit with overtaking opportunities at a premium aside from the long main straight, tyre strategy would again prove critical.

And when the covers came off, there was again an interesting mix on strategy with Russell on a scrubbed medium compound with the three drivers behind hoping to get the jump on the soft Pirelli.

Norris and Verstappen also opted for the medium with Hamilton another soft compound gambler.

And it was Russell who maintained his lead off the lights, Piastri getting the jump on Leclerc with Verstappen also making ground and getting past both Alpines.

Russell had looked a class apart all weekend, and he quickly scampered off into the distance as Verstappen gained further places, getting past both Hamilton and Norris by lap 3.

It was a brilliant start from the Red Bull duo, Hadjar and Verstappen making quick work of Leclerc before putting pressure on second placed Piastri.

But the McLaren proved a stubborn roadblock to allow Russell to further breathing space from the rapid Red Bulls, meaning all eyes turned to the all-important first pit stop window.

And despite Hadjar clearly appearing the faster car on the soft compound, Verstappen refused to yield to the team game, as is the right of a four-time champion.

With a 90% chance of a Safety Car situation, Russell could never afford to rest easy no matter how big his hard-earned advantage.

And so it came to pass, Alex Albon planting his Williams into the wall on lap 31, Antonelli strapping on a set of soft tyres as the leaders went past the window.

Russell also took that opportunity to take his mandatory set of soft compound tyres, Hadjar and Verstappen double stacking in the pit lane.

When the dust settled and the Williams craned away, it was Russell who continued to lead from Piastri and the Red Bulls.

Then more drama – Norris spearing his McLaren backwards into the barrier after an incident with Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto.


It led to yet another Safety Car situation. And when racing resumed, Russell kept position into the shadows of Baku old town.

With Piastri locking up and veering off the circuit into Turn 1, it was now a race to the flag for the victory.

And perhaps it was fitting that the best driver around the circuit over the three days of racing came out on top.

It all means that Russell cuts a small dent into teammate Antonelli’s championship lead, the gap being 66 points going into the next race in Malaysia.

“My teammate’s had an incredible season. But now we’re getting to crunch time,” added Russell.

“But I’m just going to focus on myself, you know, just if I continue delivering performance like I’ve done this weekend.

“No matter what happens towards end of the season, I’ll be happy because it’s been a real tough period for me and I feel like I’ve come through the other side.”

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Fraser Masefield

Fraser is a sports and motorsports editor with over 25 years experience. The former head editor of WilliamsF1, BMW Motorsport, Jaguar Racing and Virgin Media, he has also worked for Autosport, ESPNF1 and Eurosport amongst others.

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