As the 2026 edition of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix inches closer, RacingNews365 has looked back on one of the most dramatic moments from the country's 10-year association with F1.
In 2023, Baku saw the first sprint format of the year, and it resulted in fireworks between Max Verstappen and George Russell.
It happened right at the start of the race - Russell dived to the inside in an attempt to outmanoeuvre Max Verstappen for third place. The two drove side by side through Turn 1, Turn 2, and Turn 3.
In Turn 2, however, Russell’s Mercedes, suffering from understeer, slid into the left side of the Red Bull, causing significant damage.
The sidepod and floor of Verstappen’s RB19 were damaged, with a visible hole in the bodywork.
As they entered Turn 3, Verstappen was then pushed wide and into the wall. The Dutchman lightly grazed the barrier and had to relinquish third place to Russell for good.
No investigation followed: race control and the FIA stewards classified the incident as a racing incident, with no further investigation or penalty for either driver.
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Azerbaijan GP
Heated exchange after the race
Despite the damage to his car, Verstappen fought his way back to P3 in the sprint race, behind winner Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc.
He passed Russell at the restart on lap 6, after which a sarcastic radio message followed. Gianpiero Lambiase said, “Lovely job, Max. Without contact, as well. Nicely done.”
Verstappen replied: “Yeah, I know how to do that, *****.”
After the sprint race, Verstappen sought out Russell in parc fermé to confront him about his move.
Russell, however, didn’t think he’d done anything wrong, stating: “I had no grip. I just locked up.”
Verstappen stated: “We all have no grip. We all need to leave a little bit of space.”
As Russell walked away and told Verstappen to check the onboard footage, Verstappen called after him: “Then, next time expect the same. Dickhead.”
A day later, in the main race, the battle between the two didn’t materialise: Verstappen finished second behind teammate Preez, while Russell crossed the finish line in eighth place, though he did set the fastest lap and earned an extra point.
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