Russell leads from lights to flag to win Azerbaijan Grand Prix UPDATED

George Russell converted pole position into victory at the 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday, leading the race from start to finish in Baku.

The Mercedes driver was followed across the line by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, with teammate Isack Hadjar completing the podium. The result gave Red Bull its first double podium since the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix, Azerbaijani media reports.

Only 15 of the 22 drivers who took the start were classified as finishers.

Russell had secured pole in Friday’s qualifying session and maintained his advantage throughout the race to claim the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Formula 1’s official qualifying results confirm his pole position ahead of Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.

15:48

George Russell remained at the front after 20 laps of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, with Mercedes leading the race.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was running second, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen occupied third place, according to Report.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is being held on the Baku City Circuit, which features 20 corners and a 51-lap race distance totalling 306.049 kilometres.

15:04

The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix has entered its decisive stage, with the main race getting underway in Baku at 15:00 local time on Saturday.

Mercedes driver George Russell starts from pole after setting the fastest time in Friday’s qualifying session.

The Baku City Circuit consists of 20 corners and 51 laps, with the race covering 306.049 kilometres. The demanding street circuit first appeared on the Formula 1 calendar in 2016, when Baku hosted the European Grand Prix. From 2017 onward, the event has been known as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Nico Rosberg won the inaugural 2016 race. Daniel Ricciardo followed with victory in 2017, before Lewis Hamilton won in 2018 and Valtteri Bottas in 2019. After the 2020 race was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, Sergio Perez won in 2021, Max Verstappen in 2022, and Perez returned to the top step in 2023. Oscar Piastri won in 2024, while Verstappen claimed the 2025 race.

The 2026 championship arrives in Baku with Mercedes leading both the drivers’ and constructors’ standings. Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli tops the drivers’ table with 292 points, followed by teammate Russell on 211 and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton on 191.

Mercedes has 503 points in the Constructors’ Championship, ahead of Ferrari on 358 and McLaren on 306.

The result of Saturday’s race will determine the latest outcome in the championship battle as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix reaches its conclusion.

By Tamilla Hasanova