Uncontested victory in Baku
George Russell controlled the race from start to finish at the Baku circuit and secured victory in the Azerbaijan GP. The Briton faced pressure only in the final laps from Max Verstappen, but maintained the lead without making mistakes.
Chaotic start and McLaren advances
Verstappen and Isack Hadjar got off to a good start, while Lando Norris recovered positions and Oscar Piastri overtook Charles Leclerc to take second place for much of the race. The McLaren duo showed strength in the midfield.
Difficulties for the Sauber duo
Gabriel Bortoleto encountered problems right at the start. Nico Hulkenberg managed some overtakes but ended up involved in battles that limited his progress in the race.
Safety car and successive crashes
Lance Stroll was the first to retire, early on. Alexander Albon crashed alone into the wall, triggering the yellow flag and allowing the only stops under the safety car. On the restart, Franco Colapinto collided with Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris, causing all three cars to retire. The Argentine took responsibility for the incident.
Antonelli scores but does not repeat Monza
Andrea Kimi Antonelli crossed the finish line in fifth place and scored important points in the championship battle, although he did not repeat the performance seen in Italy.
Race highlights
- Russell led every lap
- Verstappen applied pressure in the final laps
- Three retirements after Colapinto's collision
- Bortoleto and Hulkenberg without positive results with the updates