Mercedes driver George Russell claimed victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, fending off a late charge from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The race, held in Baku, was marked by two late safety‑car periods that added drama to the final stages.
Russell, who started from the front of the grid, maintained his lead after the safety cars bunched the field. He was able to keep the pressure from Verstappen at bay, securing the win for Mercedes.
Verstappen, who had been closing in on Russell in the closing laps, could not overtake the British driver before the check‑point. The Red Bull team’s late‑race push was thwarted by the timing of the safety‑car interruptions.
The two safety‑car periods, which came late in the race, reshuffled the order and forced teams to adapt their strategies on the fly. Russell’s ability to stay ahead under these conditions was a key factor in his triumph.
With the win, Russell adds another podium finish to his season, while Verstappen remains a strong contender for the championship, despite the setback in Baku.
<small>Source: BBC Sport — read the original story there.</small>
