The streets of Baku never disappoint, and the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix lived up to its reputation — chaos, drama, and a championship picture that just got a lot more interesting. From Max Verstappen’s charge to Oscar Piastri’s nightmare, here are three big takeaways from the weekend.
1. Verstappen Puts the Pressure Back on McLaren
Max Verstappen reminded everyone why he’s still the man to beat. Starting from pole, the Red Bull driver controlled the race almost effortlessly, slicing into Oscar Piastri’s lead at the top of the standings. His pace and composure underlined that even when McLaren look like the season’s strongest package, Verstappen can still turn the tables with a flawless drive.
The win narrows the title fight, and it also sends a clear message — if McLaren slip even slightly, Red Bull and Verstappen are ready to pounce.
2. Piastri’s Weekend to Forget
Championship leader Oscar Piastri had one of those weekends that drivers hope never to repeat. A mistake in qualifying, a jump start on Sunday, and then — the final blow — a crash on the opening lap that ended his race.
It was the first time in 34 Grands Prix that Piastri failed to finish or score points, breaking one of the most consistent streaks on the grid. The Australian has been composed all season, but Baku proved that even the coolest drivers can crack under pressure. How he bounces back from this setback could define the rest of his title bid.
3. Williams and Sainz Deliver a Breakthrough
While most eyes were on the front, one of the biggest stories came further back: Carlos Sainz and Williams grabbing a podium. Third place might not sound like much in a title fight, but for Williams it’s their first proper full-race podium since 2017.
Sainz was quick all weekend, kept it clean when others faltered, and the result felt like more than just a lucky break. It was proof that Williams, slowly but surely, are becoming a team capable of fighting at the sharp end again — at least on days when everything falls their way.
The Bigger Picture
After Baku, the championship race is tighter, the pressure is mounting, and the underdogs are sneaking into the spotlight. If this Grand Prix showed us anything, it’s that nothing is guaranteed in Formula 1 — not even for the drivers who looked unstoppable just a few weeks ago.
