George Russell couldn't hide his smile. His narrow victory in Baku proved that his hard work has paid off. He conquered the Azerbaijan street circuit with just a tenth-of-a-second margin over Max Verstappen, ending his win drought since the Austrian GP. Russell is back in the F1 2026 title conversation.
For the Mercedes driver, this win is more than just numbers. It validates the patience he and his team showed during a difficult mid-season period. "It feels great, to be honest," he said. "I'm very proud of the resilience I and my close group of engineers have shown during the tough periods this year. There's been a lot of hard work to overcome some of the challenges to adapt my driving style to suit this new car better."
Russell did struggle to match his teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who kept extending his championship lead. Instead of rushing, Russell focused on improving himself. He admitted the adaptation process was not easy. "F1 is so tough, you don't get opportunities to practise this," he added. "But finally, it's coming to me a bit more intuitively than it once did. And I'm gaining confidence. Especially on circuits like this, it just allows you to eke out that little bit more on the brakes, get that little bit closer to the walls. And it's been a flawless weekend."
The change in Russell's driving style has been key. Since the summer break, he has been consistent. Podiums at the Dutch and Italian GPs, followed by victory in Baku, show he can now maximise the W17 package. "I never lost that faith in myself, even through tough moments. I knew there was a reason why I was off the pace," he explained. "It wasn't like I just suddenly forgot how to drive. I knew I would be able to find it again. I just had to be patient."
With eight races remaining, Russell believes he can consistently fight at the front. "It's been four races since the break and on the front row in three of them. So three podiums from the four races, I feel I can fight for victory week in week out now," he stated. The drivers' standings have become more interesting: Russell's gap to Antonelli is now 66 points. Though still significant, the momentum is with him.
Next, F1 heads to Sepang for the Bahrain GP in Malaysia. Russell hopes to keep the pressure on and reduce the points deficit. If he can maintain his Baku form, the title fight could go down to the final round.
Baca Juga
George Russell mengungkap perubahan gaya balap yang membawanya kembali ke perebutan gelar F1 2026 setelah kemenangan dramatis di GP Azerbaijan.
Jacques Villeneuve menyebut blunder Oscar Piastri di GP Azerbaijan sebagai kesalahan rookie. Insiden lock-up ganda buat Piastri kehilangan podium.
Fred Vasseur mengeluh rumor Christian Horner mengganggu fokus Ferrari di F1 2026. Tim sedang berjuang untuk posisi kedua klasemen.
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