Russell holds Verstappen by 0.196s to win chaotic Azerbaijan GP

By Endurance Sports & Gear · Sun Sep 27 2026

George Russell won Saturday’s 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix for Mercedes, beating Max Verstappen by 0.196 seconds in one of the closest contested finishes in modern F1, according to the official classification and Formula1.com’s race report.

Isack Hadjar completed a Red Bull double podium in third. Six drivers retired, including McLaren’s Lando Norris. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished fifth after starting 16th.

Baku Boulevard — street-circuit backdrop to George Russell’s 0.196s win over Max Verstappen. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

How the race broke

Russell controlled the first half from pole. Albon’s barrier exit brought the first Safety Car; a Colapinto lock-up at the restart eliminated Alpine’s pair and Norris. Verstappen hunted Russell to the flag after the second restart; Hadjar’s P3 ended a long Red Bull double-podium drought (GPFans: first since 2024 Chinese GP).

Pos	Driver	Team	Gap / notes
1	Russell	Mercedes	Winner, 25 pts
2	Verstappen	Red Bull	+0.196s
3	Hadjar	Red Bull	+10.704s
4	Leclerc	Ferrari	+14.136s
5	Antonelli	Mercedes	+14.512s (from P16)

Flame Towers, Baku — city landmark above the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

It’s amazing to be back on the top step of the podium… Max almost got me at the line.

George Russell after the Azerbaijan GP (Formula1.com)

Maiden Tower, Baku Old City — landmark above the street circuit after Russell’s photo-finish win. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

Bottom line

Baku delivered a photo-finish classic: Russell’s third win of 2026, Verstappen denied by two tenths, and Antonelli’s lead trimmed but intact.

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