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Azerbaijan Grand Prix: George Russell holds off Max Verstappen to win – as it happened
Mercedes and GB race winner George Russell celebrates in parc ferme. Photograph: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images

The report from our man Giles Richards has now landed, which means this live blog can conclude. It’s been a good day for George Russell in Azerbaijan, though he had to work mightily hard for the race win, coming under severe pressure from Red Bulls Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, who were second and third, after a dramatic finish to the race. Reigning world champion Lando Norris was among those who crashed out.

Kimi Antonelli, who was fifth, loses a bit of ground in the race for this year’s world championship. Next stop: Malaysia next weekend!

You may think Verstappen is happy with second, but that’s not his mentality.

“We had a good race, it was a bit difficult with the medium tyre, but we had a good restart … I got close, but it was not enough.”

Hadjar says: “I’m happy. It’s been a very long six weeks since I enjoyed myself, but I felt strong and I’m very happy for a first proper podium on pure pace. I’m completely satisfied.”

Let’s hear from the top three finishers, with Russell, Verstappen and Hadjar all speaking to the media. Timo Glock is on the microphone.

Russell says: “It’s amazing to be back on the top step of the podium. I’m really proud to have had this weekend. The first half of the race felt pretty plain sailing, Max almost got me on the line, but all-in-all an incredible weekend.

“I feel more like myself again, which is great.”

Race winner George Russell of Great Britain. Photograph: Guido De Bortoli/LAT Images

Here are the other finishers:

11th: Hulkenberg, 12th: Lawson, 13th: Bortoleto, 14th: Piastri, 15th: Perez.

DNF: Stroll, Alonso, Albon, Norris, Gasly, Bottas, Colapinto.

Russell wins ahead of Verstappen. Photograph: Andrej Isaković/AFP/Getty Images
Russell under pressure from Verstappen. Photograph: James Sutton/Formula 1/Getty Images
Colapinto crashes his Alpine into Gasly and Norris. Photograph: Michael Potts/LAT Images

Replays show Colapinto slide into his Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly, who in turn hit Norris, who was trying to get around the outside of the duo. That’s very unfortunate for Norris, really. He had nowhere to go.

Liam Lawson was also involved in a crash, hit by his teammate, Lindblad.

Gasly and Norris caught in a crash. Photograph: Joe Portlock/LAT Images
The damaged Williams car of Albon. Photograph: Guido De Bortoli/LAT Images
Norris locks a front left wheel under braking. Photograph: Michael Potts/LAT Images
Alonso retires from the race. Photograph: Andrej Isaković/AFP/Getty Images

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