Oscar Piastri’s title charge took a hit in Baku, while Max Verstappen made the most of the chaos with a dominant win that puts him firmly back in the conversation.
Max Verstappen took control in Baku with a lights-to-flag victory that may have reshaped the title picture heading into the final stretch of the Formula 1 season.
Oscar Piastri’s race ended almost as soon as it began, crashing out on the opening lap in his first major slip of the year. But the damage was contained thanks to a muted result from teammate Lando Norris, who could only manage seventh after struggling to break free from the midfield pack.
Verstappen’s win was his most convincing in weeks, and with seven races left, the four-time champion is quietly edging back into contention.
George Russell impressed for Mercedes with a calm and calculated drive to second, while Carlos Sainz delivered a breakthrough result for Williams. It marked the team’s first full-distance podium in years, with Sainz holding onto third in a tight battle.
The closing laps saw little movement among the chasing pack, with Liam Lawson fending off pressure from Yuki Tsunoda, Norris and Lewis Hamilton in a tense four-car train to the finish.
While McLaren remain ahead in the standings, Verstappen’s return to form and Piastri’s early exit suggest the title race is far from settled. It could still go right down to the final lap in Abu Dhabi.
DISCOVER: Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Baku City Circuit. @bakucitycircuit
