Max Verstappen took control of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a dominant drive for Red Bull, while Oscar Piastri suffered his first major setback of the season after crashing out on the opening lap.
Piastri’s exit reduced his championship lead, but only slightly, as his McLaren team mate Lando Norris could finish no higher than seventh. Norris cut just six points off the Australian’s advantage, leaving Piastri still 25 points ahead with seven races to go.
It was a weekend to forget for the 23 year old, who had already crashed in qualifying. At the start, Piastri jumped too early, forcing him to stop and restart, dropping him to the back of the field. Just five corners later, his race was over.
Attempting an ambitious move around Esteban Ocon’s Haas, he lost grip and went straight into the barriers. It was a rare mistake in what has been a near-flawless season until now.
This should have been a chance for Norris to close the gap, but his race never came alive. The Brit lost a place at the start and then found himself stuck in traffic. Despite an extended first stint to try for a tyre advantage, a slow pit stop ruined his slim hopes of jumping forward.
In the final laps, Norris joined a tense DRS train behind Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls. The New Zealander, starting third after a superb qualifying run, defended brilliantly to hold off Yuki Tsunoda, Norris, and Lewis Hamilton. None of them could find a way past, leaving Norris stranded in seventh.
At the front, Verstappen was in complete control. Starting with clear track ahead, he managed his tyres perfectly and never looked threatened. He also took the fastest lap, claiming his fourth win of the season, just one behind Norris.
Mercedes’ George Russell drove a fine race to finish second, while Carlos Sainz hung on to third, giving Williams their first podium since 2021.
Red Bull believe a new floor introduced at Monza has transformed their car, bringing balance back after months of struggle. While Baku’s long straights and slow corners suited them, it raises questions about whether Verstappen could yet rejoin the title fight.
“The car was working beautifully,” Verstappen said afterwards. “The last two weekends have been incredible, but Singapore will be a different challenge. Let’s see what we can do there.”
McLaren arrived in Baku on the verge of wrapping up the constructors’ championship, but a messy weekend means they will have to wait. Piastri’s crash and Norris’ struggles highlight how quickly momentum can shift, especially with Verstappen finding form again.
