Verstappen dominates Azerbaijan Grand Prix as Piastri crashes out

Max Verstappen secured a comfortable victory in Azerbaijan, a crucial moment in the world championship battle. The Red Bull driver was dominant from pole position, finishing ahead of George Russell and Carlos Sainz, who claimed third for Williams.

The main story of the race was the misfortune of championship leader Oscar Piastri. The Australian endured an uncharacteristic 24 hours, crashing out on the opening lap. After a late qualifying crash, Piastri then jumped the start. Realising his error, he moved to correct it as the lights went out, which caused him to drop to the rear of the field.

Starting the race in 20th place, Piastri remained there until Turn 5, where he locked his brakes and slid into the barrier, ending his race prematurely.

Piastri’s early retirement provided an opportunity for Lando Norris, who spent much of the race fighting through the pack after starting seventh. However, a slow pit stop caused by a sticking right-front brake hampered his progress.

At the restart, Verstappen quickly pulled away as Sainz and Liam Lawson dropped back. Norris struggled to advance as he became stuck behind Yuki Tsunoda and Lawson, with Lawson holding off the McLaren driver prior to his pit stop.

The battle for fifth place was intense, led by Lawson, with Lewis Hamilton joining in the closing stages. Charles Leclerc was close behind the group in the second Ferrari. Despite Norris’s efforts, he was unable to improve his position and finished seventh.

Verstappen claimed victory by over 15 seconds from George Russell, with Carlos Sainz taking a strong third for Williams. Kimi Antonelli finished fourth, followed by Lawson, Tsunoda, Norris, Hamilton, Leclerc, and Isack Hadjar, who completed the top ten.

2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Top 10: