By: Now in its 10th edition, the Azerbaijan GP has become one of the most established rounds on the F1 calendar, renowned for its spectacle and unpredictability. As expected, the Baku race offered little on-track action due to the controversial new rules, but it remained a very closely fought contest. Across the 51 laps that counted towards the world championship, the battle for victory was far from straightforward, as was the fight for the other positions. At the end of the Azerbaijani GP, the 15th round of 2026, Russell took victory for Mercedes, ahead of the Red Bulls of Verstappen and Hadjar.
Here are the drivers' ratings
Red Bull: 8.5
A solid weekend for Red Bull. They have been on the podium for three races in a row. They are making the most of it and are on the way back.
Verstappen: 9.5
A superb weekend for Max, who finished on the podium after an attacking race. He just lacked the final blow.
Hadjar: 9
His return race ended with a podium. Quick and error-free. Applause. He did his job brilliantly.
Ferrari: 5
A negative weekend for Ferrari, underwhelming and struggling. They are in a difficult spell and need a response.
Leclerc: 8
A good weekend for Charles, fourth after a great race despite a slow SF-26. There was little more he could do.
Hamilton: 6
A mediocre and much-criticised weekend for Lewis, sixth after a difficult race. A shame.
Mercedes: 10
A statement performance from Mercedes, victorious with a clearly superior car. They dominated.
Russell: 10
A comeback race for George, taking victory after pole position and the fastest lap. The start of a revival?
Antonelli: 7
A Lauda-style recovery drive for Kimi after a major qualifying error. His first false step...
McLaren: 5.5
An unlucky weekend for McLaren, who threw away points through incidents and mistakes. One to review.
Norris: N.C.
A dreadful weekend for Lando, out after plenty of bad luck despite McLaren's updated car.
Piastri: 5
A negative weekend for Oscar in a revised car. P14 after mistakes and bad luck.
Aston Martin: 4
Aston returned to the abyss, with a slow and unreliable car. Highs and lows.
Alonso: N.C.
Fernando fought with heart in an Aston clearly on the decline. Retired, always struggling.
Stroll: N.C.
An unrateable race for Lance in an unwatchable Aston. Retired with technical problems.
Alpine: 2
A disastrous performance from Alpine, with an internal harakiri. Poor, they need to put it all behind them.
Gasly: N.C.
His race ended prematurely after being hit by Colapinto. A shame, as they could have scored big points.
Colapinto: 2
In his second year in F1, he made a mistake in Baku and put both Gasly and himself out. A major error.
Racing Bulls: 6.5
A positive weekend for RB, with a quick car and points on the board. Well done.
Lindblad: 8.5
His race ended in the points as he took his opportunities. He beat Lawson comprehensively...
Lawson: 5.5
A passable race for Liam, back at VCARB with little pace and no mistakes. And no points.
Audi: 5.5
A mixed weekend for Audi, with no points despite the incidents. Reliable, but lacking consistency...
Hulkenberg: 7
His race ended in P11, without any flashes but with plenty of solidity. He did what he could...
Bortoleto: 5.5
Not a great day for Gabriel, out of the points in an Audi out of form. Behind Hulk...
Haas: 7.5
Three positive days for Haas: strong in the race and in the points. A breath of fresh air.
Ocon: 9
A good weekend for Esteban with an average Haas. P18, he returns to the points. Well done.
Bearman: 8
Ollie's progress continues. He pushes, fights and delivers. The Haas helps him. P9.
Williams: 6
Williams did not impress. They returned to the points thanks to incidents. The difficulties and errors remain.
Sainz: 7
A good weekend for Carlos, in the points with a Williams showing slight improvement. Very good.
Albon: N.C.
An unrateable day for Alex. He tried to respond, but the Williams did not help. Out after a mistake.
Cadillac: 5
Cadillac's difficult journey continues, at the back and without points. Plenty of work to do...
Perez: 6
He returns to F1, but the Cadillac does not help. He finished last without any standout moments or fights. It will be a long road.
Bottas: N.C.
He returns to F1 but makes no impact, hampered by a slow and unreliable Cadillac. Retired following his own error.
With the Azerbaijan GP now done, F1 will meet its fans again in a week's time at Sepang for the Bahrain GP... in Malaysia.
