Max Verstappen finished just 0.1 seconds behind race winner George Russell at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, capping a turbulent weekend that saw both drivers pushed to the absolute limit in the closing laps. Mercedes driver Russell secured victory after a dramatic final stint, while Red Bull’s Verstappen fought his way from eighth on the grid to finish second.
Baku Grand Prix Closing Laps and the Final-Lap Turbo Loss
The race in Baku ignited in the final ten laps as two safety car periods neutralized gaps across the field. Verstappen, who climbed to third early in the race following a motor change, spent a significant portion of the afternoon trapped behind Oscar Piastri’s car in the second sector before a safety car restart allowed him clear air.
Once past Piastri, Verstappen caught up to Russell, keeping within a second of the Mercedes driver lap after lap. In the final round, Russell lost his turboboost when he had to take evasive action for Valtteri Bottas’s car and an ensuing yellow flag.
https://x.com/weraugoing/status/2105006757546250654
Drivers React to the High-Speed Battle in Azerbaijan
Both drivers showed visible mutual respect after crossing the finish line, captured exchanging a thumbs-up gesture via their onboard cameras. Russell expressed high praise for Verstappen’s pace, describing the final stint as one of the most enjoyable moments of his Formula 1 career.
“That last stint was according to me the most fun I’ve ever experienced in an F1 race,” Russell said, noting that the pair built a pace nearly a second per lap faster than the rest of the field. F1 TV pundit Alex Brundle, speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, characterized Verstappen’s relentless pursuit on soft tires as “nightmare fuel” for the race leader.
Championship Standings After the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Russell’s victory in Baku narrowed the gap in the drivers’ standings against his teammate. Kimi Antonelli leads the championship with 302 points, followed by Russell in second with 236 points. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton sits third overall with 199 points.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Baku GP
Who won the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan?
George Russell won the race for Mercedes, crossing the finish line just 0.1 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen.
From what position did Max Verstappen start the race?
Max Verstappen started the Grand Prix from eighth position on the grid before advancing following a motor change.
What caused George Russell to lose power on the final lap?
George Russell lost his turboboost temporarily on the final lap after backing off for a yellow flag and evading Valtteri Bottas’s car.
Related reading