Max Verstappen delivered a masterclass performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, securing a commanding victory with a 14.6-second margin over George Russell.
The Dutch driver controlled proceedings from pole position throughout the 51-lap race, marking his second consecutive triumph following success in Italy two weeks prior.
This back-to-back victory represents Verstappen's first such achievement in 15 months.
The four-time world champion executed flawless starts both initially and after the safety car restart, maintaining his advantage throughout.
Max Verstappen steamrolled to victory in Baku ahead of George Russell and Carlos Sainz
|REUTERS
His dominance was underscored by setting the fastest lap in the closing stages, completing his sixth career grand chelem.
Oscar Piastri's Azerbaijan weekend descended into catastrophe when he crashed out on the opening lap following a jump start from ninth position.
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The Australian driver immediately halted after moving prematurely, triggering the anti-stall system as the entire field swept past him.
Starting last, Piastri then locked his front tyres approaching Turn 3 and collided head-on with the barriers. The incident prompted an immediate safety car period lasting until lap four.
This marked a continuation of Piastri's troubled weekend after crashing during Saturday's qualifying session.
A slow pit-stop compounded a miserable day for Lando Norris, who finished seventh
|REUTERS
His retirement created a significant championship opportunity for McLaren colleague Lando Norris, with 199 points remaining available this season.
Norris failed to capitalise on his teammate's misfortune, managing only seventh place after encountering difficulties during his pit stop.
The British driver's stop lasted 4.1 seconds due to complications with the front-right wheel, dropping him behind Liam Lawson and Charles Leclerc.
Despite passing Leclerc later in the race, Norris found himself trapped behind a DRS train led by Lawson in fifth position.
Unable to make further progress, he crossed the finish line in seventh place.
The result leaves Norris 25 points adrift of Piastri in the championship standings, having gained minimal ground despite his teammate's retirement.
George Russell battled through illness to claim second place for Mercedes, finishing 14.6 seconds behind Verstappen.
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Oscar Piastri crashed out of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after jumping the start of the race | SKY SPORTSThe British driver started on hard tyres and executed a late pit stop strategy on lap 39, emerging ahead of Carlos Sainz.
Sainz celebrated an emotional return to the podium in third place, marking Williams's best result of the season.
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"This weekend has been incredible for us" 👏
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) September 21, 2025
Max on securing the win in Baku 🔒 pic.twitter.com/UqmdxbVv70
The Spanish driver's last podium appearance came during his final race for Ferrari in Abu Dhabi last year.
McLaren's hopes of securing consecutive constructors' championships for the first time in 34 years were dashed. The team must now wait until Singapore in two weeks for another opportunity to clinch the title.