Formule 1: Verstappen Dominates Azerbaijan Grand Prix as Piastri Crashes Out

Max Verstappen won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday with a commanding drive. He started from pole and led all 51 laps in Baku. George Russell finished second for Mercedes, while Carlos Sainz secured third and gave Williams its first podium of the season.

Oscar Piastri’s race ended early with a crash on the opening lap. The McLaren driver jumped the lights and then lost control at Turn 5. His retirement allowed Lando Norris to reduce the championship gap, though only by six points.

Formule 1 Race Results and Key Highlights

Verstappen crossed the line more than 14 seconds clear of Russell. According to Reuters, the Dutchman was never under pressure during the race. He managed his tyres well and kept clean air throughout. The win moves him closer to Piastri in the championship battle.

Sainz was delighted with his first podium for Williams. The Spaniard started on the front row and kept a steady pace to claim third. Behind him, young Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli missed the podium by only two seconds. Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson delivered a career-best fifth, holding off late pressure from Yuki Tsunoda and Norris.

The top ten also included Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton for Ferrari, plus rookie Isack Hadjar. Further back, Gabriel Bortoleto, Ollie Bearman, and Alex Albon fought hard but missed out on points. Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso picked up penalties, while Piastri was the only retirement.

What This Means for the Championship

The title fight remains alive after Baku. Before the race, Piastri led Norris by 31 points. His crash cut the lead to 25, but Verstappen’s win keeps him in the mix. He now sits 69 points behind with seven races left.

Mercedes will take positives from Russell’s strong run despite being unwell. Williams showed progress with Sainz on the podium. Racing Bulls celebrated Lawson’s fifth as their best result of the season.

For McLaren, it was a mixed day. Piastri’s crash cost vital points, while Norris struggled in the midfield. Ferrari also endured another tough outing, still chasing pace and consistency.

Formule 1 will now move to Singapore in early October. The night race at Marina Bay will be the next test for all title contenders.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who won the Formule 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025?

Max Verstappen won the race in Baku. He started from pole and led every lap.

Q2: What happened to Oscar Piastri?

Piastri jumped the lights at the start and later crashed into the barriers at Turn 5. It was his first retirement of the season.

Q3: Who finished on the podium?

Max Verstappen took first, George Russell came second, and Carlos Sainz finished third for Williams.

Q4: How does this affect the championship?

Piastri’s lead over Norris is now 25 points. Verstappen is 69 points behind with seven races left.

Q5: When is the next Formule 1 race?

The next race is the Singapore Grand Prix. It will take place from October 3 to 5 at Marina Bay.