Verstappen Voted Driver of the Day Despite Missing Baku Victory
Max Verstappen earned the Driver of the Day accolade after a nail-biting finish in Azerbaijan. The Red Bull driver was edged out by George Russell, crossing the line just 0.196 seconds behind.
For the sixth occasion this season, Max Verstappen has captured the hearts of fans, earning the Driver of the Day title at an exhilarating Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Dutchman, still chasing his first win of 2026, finished a tantalizing 0.196 seconds behind race winner George Russell.
Starting from eighth on the grid, Verstappen showcased his racing prowess by carving his way through the field. He was the only competitor capable of matching Russell's searing speed, transforming the latter stages of the race into a gripping duel. Despite his best efforts, Verstappen couldn't quite reel in the Mercedes driver in the final moments.
Fans were clearly captivated by Verstappen's performance, awarding him 26.6% of the vote. Following him were Isack Hadjar with 15.1%, Kimi Antonelli with 12.6%, George Russell with 12.4%, and Oscar Piastri at 5.5%. While the win eluded him, Verstappen's impressive drive in Baku certainly didn't go unnoticed.