Azerbaijan GP Results: Max Verstappen claims victory to kick off late title push

Max Verstappen stormed to victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, converting pole position into a commanding win on the streets of Baku. 

The Red Bull driver was untouchable from lights out, taking maximum points and reminding the paddock that his title charge is far from over.

Meanwhile, for championship leader Oscar Piastri, it was a nightmare. 

After a scrappy qualifying session, the young Australian made a false start, hit trouble at the opening corner and then locked up badly before crashing into the barriers on lap one. 

His lead over McLaren teammate Lando Norris has now been slashed to just 25 points, a serious blow as the season heads into its final stretch. 

McLaren had also been eyeing the chance to wrap up their 10th constructors title and second in succession but those celebrations will have to wait until at least Singapore on October 5.

Max Verstappen's victory in Baku now makes him the only driver in Formula 1 history to take a grand slam in 5 straight seasons.

While McLaren faltered, Mercedes and Williams seized the moment. 

George Russell produced a strong drive to finish second for Mercedes despite battling illness during the weekend.

Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz delivered Williams their first podium of the year, crossing the line in third to the delight of the Grove outfit.

There were more surprises further down the order. 

Rising talent Kimi Antonelli came home in fourth, showing composure beyond his years.

 Liam Lawson bagged his best ever finish in fifth, ahead of Yuki Tsunoda and Norris who could not recover from a sluggish pit stop. 

Ferrari’s duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc rounded out the points after quiet but steady races.

Verstappen’s triumph narrows his gap to Piastri to 69 points. 

It remains a daunting margin but the Dutchman has momentum and Red Bull have rediscovered form. 

Piastri will need to steady himself quickly to avoid giving both Verstappen and Norris further encouragement.

McLaren still lead the constructors battle but Ferrari and Mercedes are close enough to punish any more errors. 

1, Max Verstappen – Red Bull

2, George Russell – Mercedes

3, Carlos Sainz – Williams

4, Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes

5, Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls

6, Yuki Tsunoda – RBPT

7, Lando Norris – McLaren

8, Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes

9, Charles Leclerc – Ferrari

10, Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin