Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
2026 Formula 1 World Championship
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Round 15
Baku City Circuit
Baku, Azerbaijan
Saturday 26 September
George Russell needs an Azerbaijan Grand Prix win in Baku if he is to close the 81-point gap on championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
Most recent race
The Mercedes driver finished fifth in the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid on 13 September after starting sixth.
Russell stayed in the points but could not match winner Kimi Antonelli or Max Verstappen as Mercedes left Madrid with a solid, if unspectacular, result.
Formula One ambitions
Having won two races this season, Russell sits second in the Drivers’ Championship with 211 points after 14 races.
The 28-year-old winner trails championship leader Kimi Antonelli (292) and holds a 20-point margin over Lewis Hamilton in third, with Lando Norris close behind on 186.
Why Russell could win at the Azerbaijan GP
Russell, who has a strong recent record in Baku—finishing second in 2025 and third in both 2022 and 2024—is now targeting his maiden win.
The 2014 BRDC Formula 4 Championship winner has the pace to profit if Safety Cars or the long Baku straight shuffle the order.
Quotes
“It has been a more positive couple of races even though the result was far from great today. But it’s kind of the story of the season,” Russell said ahead of the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
“I just need to focus on the performance, keep trying to help the team. It is going to be an intense run to the end of the season. I’m looking forward to getting back to the factory, working with the team.
“And getting ready for the first of three triple-headers. My pace today, particularly on the Hard tyre, felt good so we can be encouraged by that as we head to Baku.”
2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix results
Winner: Max Verstappen – Red Bull
Runner-Up: George Russell – Mercedes
Third-Place: Carlos Sainz – Williams
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