Max Verstappen Makes Podium As George Russell Wins Azerbaijan Grand Prix

 

George Russell won his second Grand Prix this season in Baku, in a close contest on the last lap with Max Verstappen, who finished on the podium. 

The Brit and pole-setter led from the start and held on until the final lap, when Verstappen chased him down with just a tenth of a second between them. Russell crossed the finish line first, setting the fastest lap on 1:38:02.143. 

Azerbaijan Grand Prix got off to a great start until Alex Bion ran into the barrier and a virtual safety car was deployed. The race became chaotic as Franco Colapinto crashed into Lando Norris and Pierre Gasly soon after the restart. Arvid Lindblad and Alex Lawson also collided but did not damage their cars. 

McLaren had an eventful race with both Norris and Oscar Piastri. The Australian driver lost the track position for locking up at the corner and swerving off track. The incident allowed Hadjar to move up in track position, and Piastri dropped behind, finishing outside of the top 10. 

Until Russell, his teammate, Kimi Antonelli could not improve from behind to make the podium. He finished in the top 10. Russell had not won a race since he won the season-opening race in Melbourne, Australia. 

Azerbaijan Grand Prix Top 10

1. George Russell (Mercedes)...1:38:02.143

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

3. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)

4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

5. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

7. Arvid Lindblad (RB)

8. Esteban Ocon (Haas)

9. Oliver Bearman (Haas)

10. Carlos Sainz (Williams)