Unwell Russell ‘had to bring my A-game’ to take Baku podium

George Russell secured an impressive second-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, battling through illness to deliver Mercedes' first podium since Hungary. The Briton, who missed media duties earlier in the weekend, overcame Carlos Sainz and teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli to climb from his starting position. This strong performance, coupled with Andrea Kimi Antonelli's fourth-place finish, marked Mercedes' best combined result since the Canadian Grand Prix. Russell admitted he was "looking forward to a bit of rest" after the challenging weekend. Both drivers acknowledged the significant points gained against Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship, viewing it as a crucial step forward for the team.