Russell wins by 196 thousandths and takes fifteen points out of Antonelli’s lead

George Russell dominated the weekend, but his victory was in doubt right up to the finish line. The Briton wins the Azerbaijan Grand Prix just 0.196 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen after two Safety Car periods wiped out his advantage. Isack Hadjar completes the podium ahead of Charles Leclerc. It is Russell’s third victory of the season.

The final threat came from a yellow flag triggered by Valtteri Bottas’ crash. Russell says he lifted off and then did not immediately get the response he expected from his turbo when he accelerated again. That allowed Verstappen to close on the final straight. This is not a definitively diagnosed failure, but the winner’s explanation for a finish far closer than expected.

Behind them, Kimi Antonelli recovers from sixteenth to fifth despite floor damage following contact with Oliver Bearman. The championship leader limits the damage, but cannot prevent his teammate from taking fifteen points out of his advantage. He has 302 points to Russell’s 236: the gap falls from 81 to 66. Baku does not turn the championship upside down, but it gives the challenger more room to fight back.