2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Recap

By Ryan Wu

A Wild Qualifying Session

Max Verstappen won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after an impressive qualifying performance. The session itself was chaotic, with strong winds and intermittent rain contributing to a record six red flags, including two in Q3. Those late stoppages saw both the current World Championship leader and Charles Leclerc, who had started on pole at Baku every year since 2021, crash out.

The disruptions in the final qualifying period created opportunities for unexpected names to secure strong grid positions, with Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson lining up second and third. Meanwhile, Lando Norris was unable to capitalize on Oscar Piastri’s rare mistake, managing only a seventh-place start.

Is Verstappen Back in the Championship Conversation?

Max Verstappen made a strong start, holding off Carlos Sainz into the first corner. Oscar Piastri’s nightmare weekend continued when his car triggered an anti-stall after a jump start, dropping him to last place as the lights went out. His race ended soon after when he crashed into the barriers at Turn 5, retiring far earlier than expected and leaving the door wide open for his closest rival, Lando Norris.

The crash brought out a brief safety car, the last time Verstappen had any pressure behind him. From there, he cruised to victory, finishing more than 14.6 seconds clear of the field.

Norris’s chances of capitalizing on Piastri’s retirement were hampered by a disastrous 4.1-second pit stop on lap 38, which cost him time to Charles Leclerc and Liam Lawson. He spent the remainder of the race chasing but could not pass Yuki Tsunoda for sixth, ultimately finishing seventh—the same position he started. As a result, he cut Piastri’s championship lead by only six points, with the Australian still 25 points ahead.

Meanwhile, Verstappen’s back-to-back wins have closed the gap to 69 points with seven races and three sprints remaining. If his form continues, the year-long two-driver battle could soon welcome a third contender, especially as Red Bull appears to be finding its stride. The team introduced a tweaked floor design at Monza last week, and combined with a low-downforce setup that suits the RB21, Verstappen may yet mount a challenge for his fifth consecutive title.

What a Performance from Sainz

Carlos Sainz surprised many by choosing Williams for the 2025 season, and he validated that decision with an outstanding drive. He began the weekend strongly by qualifying second and went on to secure Williams’ first pole of the season after executing a brilliant undercut on Antonelli and Lawson on lap 28. His result marked the team’s first full-points podium since 2017, coincidentally at the same circuit when Lance Stroll was still driving for them.

Tsunoda Bounces Back

Tsunoda showed great pace all weekend and managed a 6th place finish which was not only his second points finish since the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix but also his highest finish this year.

Rookie Report

Isack Hadjar endured a difficult weekend as throttle issues severely hampered his pace, though he still managed to bring the car home in 10th. Kimi Antonelli enjoyed a strong bounceback, finishing 4th for his first top-five result since Canada in mid-June. Liam Lawson also delivered a solid performance, starting third and once again finishing ahead of his replacement, Yuki Tsunoda.

Racing Refresh Driver of the Day

Carlos Sainz, Williams

Final Points Finishing Positions

1st: Max Verstappen

2nd: George Russell

3rd: Carlos Sainz

4th: Kimi Antonelli

5th: Liam Lawson

6th: Yuki Tsunoda

7th: Lando Norris

8th: Lewis Hamilton

9th: Charles Leclerc

10th: Isack Hadjar

Next on the F1 Schedule:

SIngapore Grand Prix: October 3rd-5th