F1 LIVE: Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026 reaction & result as George Russell wins for Mercedes
BBC • • sports
Key Points:
- Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli described his fifth-place finish as his worst performance of the year, citing lack of pace on medium tyres and damage to his car, but expressed determination to improve next weekend.
- Lewis Hamilton struggled throughout the race and qualifying, finishing sixth, but remained positive about team unity and committed to continuing efforts in upcoming races.
- Max Verstappen noted that Red Bull had a strong race despite being on the wrong tyre for most of it, enjoyed the close battle with George Russell, and remains hopeful for a victory before season's end.
- Red Bull's Isack Hadjar returned from injury to secure third place, praising the car's performance and his cautious approach, while Alpine's Franco Colapinto apologized for causing a collision that affected both his team and McLaren's Lando Norris.
- Race winner George Russell highlighted his strong weekend performance, overcoming a turbo issue near the end to hold off Verstappen, and expressed confidence in maintaining his form for the remainder of the season.
