P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen scored his second straight victory from pole in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as McLaren had a terrible race
“Max Verstappen’s victory in Baku and McLaren’s misfortune indicate a narrowing points gap in the 2025 F1 title race, raising the question of a three-way battle. Verstappen showcased his dominance in Baku and solidified his status as a contender, while Oscar Piastri’s early crash heightened the tension.
Despite not serving a jumped start penalty in Baku, Piastri managed to avoid a grid drop for the upcoming Singapore race. Meanwhile, Williams’s near-miss pole in Baku was not accidental, revealing strategic improvements made by the team to address weaknesses.
Piastri’s decision to switch to a new McLaren chassis for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, following his qualifying crash, ensured he did not face a pitlane start. Verstappen’s strong performance and McLaren’s setbacks set the stage for an intense battle for the coveted championship title.”
