Russell wins in Baku as Verstappen and Hadjar complete podium
George Russell took victory in the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading every lap in Baku for his third win of the season and the first grand slam of his Formula 1 career. Max Verstappen finished second for Red Bull, with team mate Isack Hadjar third as the team celebrated a double podium.
Russell won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a lights-to-flag drive on the streets of Baku. The Mercedes driver led every lap to secure his third victory of the 2026 season, and the result also gave him the first grand slam of his Formula 1 career.
The win ended a run of six weekends without a victory for Russell. He said the final laps were especially enjoyable because the tyres did not degrade, allowing the last stint to remain an exciting challenge.
Behind him, Verstappen finished second, a result described as narrowly short of victory, while Hadjar took third. Hadjar's role in helping Verstappen was highlighted in coverage of the race, and Red Bull left Azerbaijan with both drivers on the podium.
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