Max Verstappen was voted Driver of the Day by fans following his performance at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished just behind the race winner in a closely contested battle. Despite narrowly missing out on victory, Verstappen’s drive stood out to supporters across the Formula 1® paddock.
The Red Bull Racing driver crossed the finish line in second place, only 0.196 seconds behind George Russell, who took the win for Mercedes AMG Petronas. Starting from eighth on the grid, Verstappen was the only competitor able to match Russell’s pace in the closing laps, setting up a tense duel that captivated fans. This marked Verstappen’s sixth Driver of the Day award of the 2026 season, highlighting his consistent appeal and strong performances even without a race win so far this year.
Alongside Verstappen, other drivers received notable recognition in the fan vote. Isack Hadjar secured 15.1% of the votes, while Kimi Antonelli and George Russell were close behind with 12.6% and 12.4%, respectively. Oscar Piastri also featured in the top five, gathering 5.5% of the fan support. The results reflect a broad appreciation for competitive drives across the field during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The race itself saw Verstappen make significant progress through the field, demonstrating strong race pace and resilience. His ability to close in on the polesitter and eventual winner George Russell in the final stages underscored his competitiveness, even as the 2026 season continues without a victory for the Dutch driver. The narrow margin at the finish line highlighted how closely matched the leading drivers were on the streets of Baku.
Verstappen’s performance and the fan vote outcome underline his ongoing presence as a key figure in the championship, maintaining momentum and engagement despite the challenges faced this season. Meanwhile, Russell’s win for Mercedes AMG Petronas added an important result for the team, with several other drivers also earning recognition for their efforts during the race weekend.
The fan vote results provide a snapshot of the drivers who made an impression during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, reflecting both the competitive nature of the race and the diverse talents on display. Verstappen’s sixth Driver of the Day award this season confirms his status as a fan favourite and a driver capable of delivering strong performances under pressure.