Max Verstappen wins Azerbaijan GP as Oscar Piastri crashes out on the first lap
Carlos Sainz earns first Williams podium, holding off Kimi Antonelli; George Russell second, Liam Lawson fifth
Lando Norris seventh, McLaren title hopes delayed after a slow pit stop
Max Verstappen eased to victory in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, after championship leader Oscar Piastri crashed out on the first lap.
McLaren had the chance to clinch the constructors' title on Sunday, but a disappointing weekend, which also saw Lando Norris finish in seventh, means their wait will go on.
Verstappen took a dominant victory, crossing the line 14.609 seconds ahead of George Russell, who had been ill all weekend.
Carlos Sainz secured his first podium for Williams as he held off Kimi Antonelli, denying Mercedes two podium finishes, with Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson rounding out the top five.
Norris finished behind Yuki Tsunoda, after a slow pit stop cost him – he became stuck behind other cars, and gained just six points on Piastri.
The Australian's first mistake of the season, as he crashed into the wall, did not put too much pressure on his leading position, though.
Lewis Hamilton recovered from 12th, but was also unable to advance through a packed midfield, though he held off Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc and Isack Hadjar to claim eighth.
But it was a strong performance from Verstappen, having started on pole, as he finished on top, racking up the fastest laps as he calmly controlled the race.
He has now reduced the gap to Piastri to 69 points, putting pressure on the top two with seven rounds of the season remaining.
Data Debrief: Verstappen to make late title push?
McLaren have said they are not counting Verstappen out of the title fight just yet, and his performances since the summer break have proven them right.
The Dutchman has now claimed three consecutive podium finishes for the first time since April and May 2024, with this his second consecutive win.
He is just the second driver to win multiple titles in Azerbaijan (also won in 2022), after former Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez (2021 and 2023).
It was also a brilliant day for Williams, who secured their first podium finish since 2017, which also came in Baku.
Top 10
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. George Russell (Mercedes)
3. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
4. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
5. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
6. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)
7. Lando Norris (McLaren)
8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
9. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Drivers'
1. Oscar Piastri - 324
2. Lando Norris - 299
3. Max Verstappen - 255
Constructors'
1. McLaren - 623
2. Mercedes - 290
3. Ferrari - 286
