(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Max Verstappen Dominates Azerbaijan Grand Prix as McLaren Struggle
Max Verstappen returned to winning ways in style, cruising to victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday. The three-time world champion was untouchable from start to finish, while Oscar Piastri’s early crash and Lando Norris’ struggles left McLaren facing their toughest weekend of the season.
Verstappen Back in Control
Starting from pole after a chaotic qualifying, Verstappen quickly pulled away from the pack. By the time of his only pit stop, he had built a commanding lead.
“The car was working really well,” Verstappen said. “Of course, it wasn’t easy with the wind, but overall I’m incredibly happy with this performance.”
The win marks Verstappen’s second straight victory, his first back-to-back since June 2024, and keeps him in contention for a fifth consecutive championship.
Mercedes and Williams Shine
George Russell, battling illness, secured second place for Mercedes and admitted he was “pretty glad” to see the checkered flag.
The story of the day, however, came from Carlos Sainz Jr., who delivered Williams’ first podium in four years with a brilliant third-place finish.
“Best podium of my career,” said the former Ferrari driver. “After all the bad luck, this one feels special.”
Williams last celebrated a podium in 2021, but excluding that rain-affected race in Belgium, this was their strongest on-track finish since 2014.
McLaren’s Worst Day of the Season
It was a nightmare race for McLaren.
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Oscar Piastri nearly stalled at the start, dropped to the back, and later crashed into the barrier — his second accident of the weekend. He failed to score points for the first time since May 2024.
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Lando Norris managed only seventh place after another slow pit stop cost him valuable positions. He missed the chance to significantly close Piastri’s championship lead, which now sits at 25 points.
McLaren also missed the opportunity to seal the Constructors’ Championship with seven races remaining. Their combined result marked their lowest points haul since 2023.
Other Notable Results
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Kimi Antonelli finished fourth for Mercedes, easing pressure after recent criticism.
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Liam Lawson secured a career-best fifth for Racing Bulls.
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Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) came sixth, ahead of Norris.
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Lewis Hamilton was eighth, while Charles Leclerc could only manage ninth in a disappointing weekend for Ferrari.
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Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar rounded out the points in 10th.
Championship Picture
Piastri remains on top, but his error in Baku keeps the title race alive. Norris is within one race win of the lead, while Verstappen, now 69 points adrift, is showing signs that he’s far from done.
The Formula 1 season continues in Singapore in two weeks, where McLaren will look to bounce back and Verstappen will aim to keep building momentum.
