Russell ‘feels like myself again’ after ‘incredible’ pole-to-victory drive in Azerbaijan

George Russell hailed an “incredible” weekend from start to finish in Azerbaijan, with the Mercedes driver topping Thursday practice, charging to a dominant pole and ultimately securing victory – cutting team mate Kimi Antonelli’s championship lead by 15 points in the process.

Russell headed into the event 81 points behind Antonelli, but trimmed that gap to 66 by edging out Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in a dash to the chequered flag, while the young Italian recovered from 16th to fifth after a dramatic Q1 accident.

It marks Russell’s first Grand Prix victory since Austria in June, and his third of the 2026 season so far, comparing to the eight Antonelli has achieved up to this point.

“It’s amazing to be back on the top step of the podium,” Russell commented post-race. “I just want to say a big thanks to my team, because they continued to believe in me through tough moments, helped me come through it. I’m really proud to have had this weekend.

“The first half of the race felt pretty plain sailing, getting the gap, the Safety Car restart… When I saw Max behind, I thought, ‘It’s not going to be easy’. He drove incredibly at the end of the race.

“When the yellow flag came out [for Valtteri Bottas’ crash], I lifted off the power, and when I went back, I had no turbo, so then I had no power. Max almost got me at the line, so that would have been a real shame. All in all, an incredible weekend.”

Asked about his confidence seemingly returning, Russell added: “I think it’s just having more experience with this sort of new driving style that I’ve adopted. Every race since the [summer] break I feel like I’ve gone from strength to strength. I feel like more myself again, so that’s really great.”

As for how he plans to approach the remaining rounds of the championship, in his quest to overhaul Antonelli, the Briton made his intentions clear.

“Win every race! That’s the game plan,” he stated with a smile. “My team mate’s had an incredible season, he’s been pretty flawless throughout, but now we’re getting to crunch time.

“I’m just going to focus on myself. If I continue delivering performances like I’ve done this weekend, no matter what happens towards the end of the season, I’ll be happy. It’s been a really tough period for me, and now I feel like I’ve come through the other side.”