Azerbaijan Grand Prix Recap: A Memorable Race in Baku
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, held on Sunday, marked a significant moment in the 2025 Formula 1 season as it entered the final third of the calendar. The race showcased a remarkable narrative, perfectly illustrating the conclusion of the European phase of the season. Max Verstappen, the four-time champion and a leading figure in the grid, dominated the event from start to finish, achieving his 67th career victory. This win not only added to his impressive record with four victories in 2025 but also represented his second consecutive win following his triumph at Monza.
Verstappen’s performance was more than just a victory; it was a demonstration of excellence as he secured his sixth Grand Chelem, which includes pole position, leading every lap, setting the fastest lap, and winning the race. This achievement also brought his total to 14 hat-tricks in his career, reaffirming his dominance. As a result, the points gap to Oscar Piastri in the championship standings has now narrowed to 69 points.
Russell’s Strong Performance with Mercedes
George Russell, finishing in second place, further solidified Mercedes’ competitive position in the championship. Despite facing physical challenges throughout the weekend, the British driver managed to deliver a solid performance. His initial stint on hard tires was impressive, allowing him to maintain a steady pace. Crossing the finish line secured Russell’s seventh podium of the season and helped propel Mercedes to second place in the Constructors’ Championship, overtaking Ferrari.
“It was a tough weekend for me personally, but the car was fantastic,” Russell remarked after the race. He acknowledged the importance of the points earned, especially in the context of the ongoing battle with Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton, finishing fourth, also contributed to the team’s success, demonstrating the strength of the Mercedes outfit.
Sainz’s Historic Moment with Williams
While Russell celebrated his achievements, it was Carlos Sainz who left Baku in sheer ecstasy. The Spanish driver brought Williams its first podium finish since the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, a result that was not only significant for the team but also served as an affirmation of the investment made in the Grove project.
“This podium is more than just a trophy. It’s proof that we are on the right track, even amidst doubts at the start of the season,” Sainz expressed emotionally in the post-race park. “Today was perfect, from practice to the race. This is the best moment of my career.”
McLaren Faces Turmoil
On the flip side, McLaren experienced one of its most challenging Sundays of the year. Oscar Piastri, who leads the championship, failed to complete even a single lap. A problematic start, followed by an anti-stall issue, led to him crashing into the wall at turn five, triggering the race’s only Safety Car deployment. This marked Piastri’s first retirement since the 2023 United States Grand Prix.
This incident created an opportunity for Lando Norris to close the gap in the standings, but he soon fell victim to another pit stop error from the Woking team. A lengthy 4.1-second stop due to a stuck wheel proved costly, leaving him to finish in seventh place behind Yuki Tsunoda.
“It’s frustrating. It was a race that was within our grasp after Oscar’s crash. We can’t keep losing points like this,” Norris lamented after the race.
Red Bull and Racing Bulls Show Consistency
In addition to Verstappen’s win, Red Bull also saw Yuki Tsunoda achieve his best result of the season, finishing in sixth place. The Japanese driver, still fighting for a seat in 2026, executed a flawless race without any mistakes. The Racing Bulls team also celebrated a strong performance, with Liam Lawson finishing fifth, marking the best result of his career, while Isack Hadjar scored points again by finishing in tenth place.
Ferrari’s Lackluster Performance
Ferrari, arriving in Baku with hopes of a podium finish, had a disappointing outing, with Lewis Hamilton finishing in eighth and Charles Leclerc in ninth. The duo’s underwhelming performance allowed Mercedes to extend its lead in the Constructors’ Championship. In the driver’s standings, Piastri remains in the lead with 324 points, followed closely by Norris at 299. Verstappen is now in third with 255 points, followed by Russell with 212. While McLaren still leads the Constructors’ Championship, Ferrari and Mercedes remain in contention.
Voices from the Podium
Verstappen encapsulated his perfect weekend succinctly: “It was incredible for us. The car was fantastic in all conditions, whether on mediums or hards. It’s not easy here with the wind and a tricky layout, but we executed everything perfectly. These two consecutive wins show that we’re still strong.”
Russell emphasized the strategic aspect of the race: “We didn’t have spectacular pace, but we stayed out of trouble and capitalized on our opportunities. In the end, it was a great result for the team, which is what matters most.”
Sainz allowed his emotions to take center stage: “A year ago, I chose Williams because I believed in the project. This podium proves I made the right choice. It’s a reward for our patience and hard work.”
Looking Ahead: The Singapore Grand Prix
With the Azerbaijan Grand Prix behind us, all eyes now turn to Singapore in two weeks. The Marina Bay street circuit presents an entirely different challenge, characterized by high aerodynamic demands and a stifling climate. For Verstappen, it offers a chance to keep the championship math alive; for McLaren, it’s a crucial moment to rebound.
As Baku confirmed the dominance of the past—with Verstappen setting the pace—Singapore may well be the stage for determining the immediate future of the championship.
Fans and teams alike are eager to see how the next race will unfold, with strategies and performances expected to evolve as the season progresses. The battle for both driver and constructor titles intensifies, promising an exciting continuation of the Formula 1 season.
