Baku Grand Prix Race Report:

Fisher Triumphs in Soaking Streets as Van Hallen Returns to the Fight

The Baku Grand Prix marked the long-awaited return of Jos Van Hallen, back behind the wheel after recovering from a broken finger sustained in the high-speed crash with Matthew Fisher in Austria. The Red Bull star made his comeback known immediately locking out the front row alongside teammate Tom Manley in qualifying, with Fisher starting third and Bono Huis in fourth.

When the lights went out, it was a clean launch from the front runners. The Red Bulls briefly battled for the lead, but Manley’s slight error after the castle section opened the door for Fisher, who slotted into P2 behind Van Hallen.

A Familiar Rivalry Rekindled
Fisher and Van Hallen, two of the most celebrated rivals in the F1 Esports Tier 1 history, locked horns again in an early DRS fuelled duel. The pair swapped positions multiple times over three laps, but it was Fisher who made the move stick on Lap 5, breaking the DRS and beginning to open a gap.

Changing Conditions, Changing Strategies
As the skies darkened, Sebastian Gunthenstiner impressed by climbing into P3, putting pressure on his teammate Van Hallen. Rain began to fall mid-race, and it was Fisher and Van Hallen who blinked first diving into the pits for intermediate tyres. Fisher's pit entry was dramatic, with his Mercedes twitching wildly on the slick surface, narrowly avoiding the wall.

Gunthenstiner was warned to take extra caution, and after the pit phase shook out, Fisher maintained the lead now over 3 seconds clear of Van Hallen.

Red Flag Chaos
Then, carnage at the castle section. A massive seven-car pile-up was triggered, culminating in Adam Chadwick’s Ferrari being launched upside down as several cars collided. The race was immediately red-flagged. In Fisher’s own words over the radio:

“I can see it on the screen... looks like a Formula E race at Turn 7.”

Restart on Wets
The restart came under full wet tyre conditions. At the standing start, Fisher nailed the launch and resumed control at the front. Murphey, always a danger in the rain, tried to pressure Van Hallen into Turn 1, but the Dutch driver held strong.

The final laps saw Fisher managing his pace with clinical precision, controlling the gap to take another sensational win in difficult conditions. Van Hallen came home second, with Shane Murphey completing the podium.

🗣️ Post-Race Interviews:

Matthew Fisher (P1):

“It’s great to see Jos [Van Hallen] back. The rain made it tricky, but honestly, I enjoy these conditions. The car feels more alive, and I can slide it without worrying too much about overheating the tyres. It was fun today one of those races you really have to work for.”

Jos Van Hallen (P2):

“Coming back after the injury, I wasn’t expecting to be fighting for the win straight away, but it felt good to battle with Fisher again. We’ll keep pushing.”

Shane Murphey (P3):

“Happy with the podium, but I really wanted that second place. Still, Baku’s always mad and today was no exception.”