By Joe Murphy
Max Verstappen expertly navigated his way to another win in the 2025 championship, this time in Baku in a pulsating Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Verstappen received very little pressure during his long first stint, with all other usual suspects well off the pace.
Carlos Sainz had been in second place for much of this race, although a superb George Russell drive and Mercedes strategy meant the Brit took the second step, as Williams had to settle for 3rd, a first full race podium since Lance Stroll managed the feat for them eight years ago from this very venue.
Only the one Safety Car was brought out, as Oscar Piastri made an uncharacteristic error crashing out, a few corners further along than where he made the same mistake just 24 hours prior. Lando Norris could only cross the line in seventh, frustrated by Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, who themselves had excellent races. The two Ferrari divers came after Norris, which meant the Constructors Title fight lives on at least another race.
Norris only took a minor dent to Oscar Piastri’s Championship lead, and with races running out, Lando will see this as a missed opportunity. Oscar, well he may feel as if he has got away with one. Kimi Antonelli also enjoyed a good race as Mercedes scored well.
Verstappen may be a little far behind in the title fight to be a true contender, but another couple of races like this and who knows where that leaves the McLaren pair. Perhaps today was a sign of the title fight playing on their minds, with the four time champion a lot more suited to such pressures.
Further behind, Haas tried and failed to do anything of note with Estaban Ocon and Fernando Alonso never recovered from a jump start penalty, something which could be coming Piastri’s way retrospectively. Moreover, Albon tussled with Colapinto in the only other incident as most drivers behaved themselves at one of the more demanding tracks on the Calendar. Speaking of demanding tracks, Singapore awaits.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 