Verstappen: Just fell short at the end

Pulse Sports Team 14:29 - 26 September 2026

Max Verstappen secured his third consecutive podium finish and seventh overall this Formula 1 season, claiming second place behind George Russell at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

At the checkered flag, just 0.1 seconds separated the two drivers after Russell experienced a power loss at the end following a yellow flag zone. Post-race, Verstappen explained that his first stint on medium tires was challenging, but he was generally pleased with Red Bull's pace in Baku.

“We had good pace. The first stint on the medium tires was a bit tougher, but I still managed to make my way up to third. Then I moved into second position after the first restart, and I was about a second behind George. On the final lap, under the yellow flag, he seemed to lose power coming out of the last corner, and I closed in quite a lot. I got even closer before the finish line, but it wasn't quite enough,” Verstappen explained.