Russell wins chaotic Baku race as Norris fury erupts over Colapinto crash

George Russell won the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku for Mercedes, holding off Max Verstappen in a chaotic race. Lando Norris retired from eighth after being taken out, a blow that leaves him 116 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli with eight rounds remaining. Formula 1

The race turned at a safety car restart, when the bunched field is released back to full racing speed. Franco Colapinto locked up into Turn 1, his tyres stopping while the car kept sliding, and hit his Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly. Gasly was pushed into Norris. All three cars retired on the spot. The Guardian

Norris was furious afterwards. Speaking to broadcaster Sky Sports, he said some drivers should not be in Formula One and that Colapinto's driving did not deserve to be in Formula One. He added that Colapinto should receive at least a one-race ban for causing the restart crash.

The stewards took a narrower view. They gave Colapinto a 10-second penalty for the incident. Because he had already retired and could not serve it, the penalty will become a grid drop, a loss of starting places, at the next round.

Colapinto also spoke to Sky Sports after the race. He apologised for causing the collision with Norris and Gasly.

Up front, Russell stayed clear of trouble. He avoided multiple incidents on his way through the afternoon in Baku, with Verstappen second and unable to find a way past.

For fans, this means the championship maths is getting harsh. Norris needs big points and trouble for Antonelli. With eight rounds left, he cannot afford another zero.