George Russell emerged from the streets of Baku with his first Formula 1 victory, describing the weekend as "the most dominant" of his career. The Briton, driving for Mercedes, turned a season that had seen a series of setbacks into a showcase of speed and composure, finishing a clean 1‑2‑3 for the team after teammate Lewis Hamilton secured third place.
Speaking to the BBC after crossing the line, Russell said he had "come through the other side after a real tough period" and that the win felt like a cathartic release. The victory marked his maiden Grand Prix triumph, coming just weeks after a string of retirements and a disappointing run of qualifying sessions. "It’s the most dominant weekend I’ve had in my career – the car felt perfect, the strategy was spot on and the team delivered at every stage," he added.
Mercedes’ performance in Baku was a stark contrast to the early‑season struggles the team endured, with the team chief Toto Wolff praising the crew’s resilience. "We’ve worked hard to get the car to this level, and George’s feedback was crucial in getting the setup right for the long straight and tight corners of the circuit," Wolff said. The win also tightens the drivers’ championship battle, moving Russell up to third place, just five points behind second‑placed Max Verstappen and eight points behind leader Charles Leclerc.
For Indian fans, the race was broadcast live on FanCode with commentary in English and Hindi, and the start time was 04:00 IST on Sunday. The victory also boosts Mercedes’ appeal in the Indian market, where the team has a growing fan base and a partnership with Indian tyre manufacturer MRF. Russell’s win is likely to increase viewership for the remaining season, especially as the championship heads into the high‑stakes races in Singapore and Japan.
Source: BBC Sport
