September 21, (THEWILL) — Max Verstappen claimed victory at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, capitalising on championship leader, Oscar Piastri’s first-lap retirement to significantly close the title gap. The Red Bull driver started on hard tyres and managed the race expertly, building a comfortable lead before making a late pit stop that earned him his second consecutive win since Spain and Canada last year.
Piastri endured a catastrophic weekend that began with qualifying errors and culminated in a costly crash at Turn 5 after jumping the start. The Australian’s uncharacteristic mistakes saw his championship advantage over Verstappen reduced from 104 points to just 69 points across two race weekends, dramatically altering the title fight dynamics with seven races remaining.
Carlos Sainz delivered Williams their first podium since the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, finishing third behind George Russell who jumped him through strategic timing. The Spaniard held second place until his mid-race pit stop, an indication of the team’s newfound competitiveness under James Vowles’ leadership and marking a significant milestone for the historically successful constructor.
Lando Norris failed to capitalise on his teammate’s misfortune, managing only seventh place despite starting from the same position. A slow pit stop cost the McLaren driver crucial positions, leaving him trapped behind Yuki Tsunoda and missing the opportunity to gain substantial ground in the championship standings.
Liam Lawson took fifth place for Racing Bulls after an impressive defensive drive from his third-place start, holding off both Mercedes drivers for significant portions of the race. The result moved Racing Bulls ahead of Aston Martin in the constructors’ championship and elevated Lawson past Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon in the drivers’ standings.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
