Max Verstappen delivered a commanding performance to secure victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading the race from start to finish. The Red Bull driver’s flawless drive on the Baku street circuit narrowed the gap in the championship standings, though his primary rivals from McLaren endured a disastrous afternoon.
The race took a dramatic turn on the opening lap when Oscar Piastri, who entered the weekend leading the championship, crashed out after a series of errors. Starting from ninth, Piastri misjudged his launch, then locked his brakes and hit the barrier at turn five—an uncharacteristic mistake for the usually composed Australian.
Lando Norris, Piastri’s teammate, was unable to capitalize fully on the situation. Starting seventh, Norris struggled in traffic and could only finish in the same position, missing a crucial opportunity to gain significant ground in the title fight.
George Russell secured a strong second place for Mercedes, while Carlos Sainz claimed an impressive third for Williams, marking the team’s first podium in a full-length race since 2017. Lewis Hamilton also made progress, climbing from 12th on the grid to finish eighth for Ferrari.
Verstappen’s win continues Red Bull’s recent resurgence, following upgrades introduced at the previous race in Monza. Though still facing a substantial points deficit, the defending champion has reignited his campaign, ensuring the title battle remains intensely competitive with seven rounds remaining.
Further down the order, Kimi Antonelli took fourth for Mercedes, while Racing Bulls pair Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar finished fifth and tenth, respectively. Yuki Tsunoda placed sixth for Red Bull, and Charles Leclerc ended the day in ninth for Ferrari.
