WATCH: George Russell powers past Max Verstappen in thrilling overtake at Azerbaijan GP

In a dramatic twist during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, George Russell showcased his skill by overtaking reigning world champion Max Verstappen, propelling his Mercedes past the struggling Red Bull driver during Lap 34 of the race.

Verstappen, who was visibly frustrated over the radio due to a lack of rear grip, seemed to be battling his car as he announced, “I have no rear grip, the car is jumping.” This was a pivotal moment for both drivers as Russell seized the opportunity to claim sixth position while Verstappen slipped down to seventh.

The race dynamics shifted when Verstappen's performance began to falter in the middle stages of the race, and his dissatisfaction was evident. By Lap 33, Max Verstappen had fallen behind, unable to keep up with the pace of his competitors. 

Here is the video:

En un mundo paralelo, Verstappen ve cómo Russell le arranca las pegatinas y es séptimo

AH NO, QUE ES VERDAD Y ESTÁ PASANDO AQUÍ 😱#AzerbaiyanDAZNF1 🇦🇿 pic.twitter.com/uir85B9fCq

— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) September 15, 2024

Moments later, Russell cruised past him effortlessly on the straight, capitalizing on Verstappen's struggles with his car's handling. “Verstappen not happy and not quick it seems!” was the general sentiment across the paddock as the Dutchman’s Red Bull continued to lose pace.

Oscar Piastri continues to lead!

Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri, who had taken the lead earlier in the race after a brilliant move on Charles Leclerc, continued to impress as he maintained his position at the front of the pack. Piastri's defensive driving and tactical approach at Turn 1 left Leclerc unable to overtake, with Sergio Perez closing in on the Ferrari driver. The battle for the lead intensified as these three drivers pushed the limits of their cars, vying for victory.

As the race unfolded, Russell’s overtake on Verstappen was a pivotal moment that highlighted the competitiveness between the teams. With Verstappen dropping positions and Russell gaining momentum, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix once again delivered thrilling on-track action that will be remembered by fans and drivers alike.