F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025: Verstappen Shines, McLaren Faces Setbacks

The 2025 Formula 1 season reached a thrilling turning point this past weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. Max Verstappen delivered a masterful performance, starting from pole position and leading the race from start to finish. His victory marks his fourth win of the season and strengthens his contention for the championship. Teammate Yuki Tsunoda finished in sixth place, giving Red Bull Racing their first double points weekend since the British Grand Prix.

McLaren, who had entered the weekend leading both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, faced a difficult race. Oscar Piastri crashed out on the opening lap, while Lando Norris finished seventh, missing an opportunity to increase his lead. Despite these setbacks, Piastri still maintains a 25-point advantage in the championship standings over Norris, keeping McLaren in a strong position overall.

Williams made headlines with a standout performance from Carlos Sainz. Starting second on the grid, Sainz held off intense pressure from George Russell to secure third place, earning his first podium with Williams and the team’s first since 2018. This result is a huge boost for both the driver and the team, signaling renewed competitiveness and morale.

Off the track, Red Bull Racing experienced a major leadership change. Christian Horner officially stepped down as team principal after nearly twenty years, finalizing his exit with an £80 million settlement. His departure comes amid internal challenges and a period of declining team performance. Laurent Mekies has been appointed as the new CEO, and the team is already planning for the future, including potential promotions from its junior driver program.

With seven races remaining in the 2025 season, the championship race is heating up. Verstappen’s resurgence has narrowed the points gap to Piastri, setting the stage for an exciting final stretch of the season. The upcoming Singapore Grand Prix promises to be pivotal, as teams and drivers look to capitalize on every remaining opportunity.