Russell holds off Verstappen for win in thrilling Azerbaijan GP finale

Azerbaijan GP: George Russell holds off Max Verstappen for victory in thrilling Baku finale as Kimi Antonelli recovers to fifth George Russell claims lights-to-flag victory for Mercedes; Russell held off Red Bull's Max Verstappen after big lead shrunk by two Safety Car periods; world championship leader Kimi Antonelli fights back from 16th to finish fifth as Russell reduces deficit to 66 points Saturday 26 September 2026 14:04, UK George Russell held off Max Verstappen in a thrilling finale to claim victory in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix by just a tenth of a second. Mercedes' Russell had been on course for a dominant victory before two Safety Cars wiped out the 11-second lead he had built and left him desperately defending Red Bull's Verstappen in the closing stages. The lights-to-flag triumph reduces Russell's deficit to his team-mate Kimi Antonelli at the top of the world championship to 66 points after the Italian fought back from 16th on the grid, following a qualifying crash, to finish fifth. - Azerbaijan GP race result | F1 2026 standings | F1 2026 calendar - Download the Sky Sports app for expert analysis, best video & more📱 - Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream F1 with no contract 📺 Isack Hadjar took third to seal Red Bull's first double-podium since the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix, completing an impressive comeback after missing three races with a wrist injury. Charles Leclerc took fourth for Ferrari after dropping back from second in the early stages, while his team-mate Lewis Hamilton finished where he started in sixth after lacking pace throughout. More to follow... Formula 1 heads to Malaysia for the first time since 2017 as it hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit - watch live coverage from Friday morning, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime [Image text:] AR AIRWAYS JAIARAIRWAYS OATARAIRW