Russell holds off Verstappen to win Azerbaijan Grand Prix

George Russell won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for Mercedes on Saturday, holding off Max Verstappen by 0.196 seconds after two safety-car periods interrupted the 51-lap race. Isack Hadjar finished third, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli recovered from 16th on the starting grid to take fifth. Russell started from pole and kept the lead through the opening phase, building a substantial advantage before the first safety car was deployed following a crash by Williams driver Alex Albon. The neutralization brought the field together and prompted pit stops among the frontrunners. Russell remained ahead, with Verstappen moving into contention as the race resumed. A second safety car followed a collision at Turn 1 involving Alpine teammates Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly and McLaren’s Lando Norris. The three drivers did not finish. The interruptions repeatedly erased Russell’s cushion, setting up a close finish with Verstappen pressing behind him. Russell held on to take the win; the published result lists the margin at 0.196 seconds. Verstappen, who started eighth, finished second, and Red Bull’s Hadjar completed the podium. Charles Leclerc was fourth for Ferrari.