P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen dominated in Baku to reinforce his position as an outside title threat, as points leader Oscar Piastri crashed out
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen dominated the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, solidifying his position as a strong contender for the Formula 1 title, as points leader Oscar Piastri crashed out during the race. Piastri’s McLaren teammate and main rival, Lando Norris, faced struggles and finished in seventh place, failing to capitalize on Piastri’s misfortune. Despite Piastri’s retirement, his lead over Norris was reduced to only 25 points, while Verstappen closed in, now 69 points behind with seven races remaining in the season. Verstappen’s flawless race, leading from start to finish on a hard-medium strategy, contrasted with the intense battles behind him for the final podium positions. Williams driver Carlos Sainz secured second place after a strategic battle with the Mercedes drivers, ultimately fending off a late challenge from his teammate Kimi Antonelli to claim Williams’s first podium since 2021. Meanwhile, Norris faced setbacks in his pursuit of crucial points, getting stuck behind rivals during a prolonged medium tire stint, ultimately missing out on a higher finish.
