Max Verstappen Wins Chaotic Azerbaijan GP as Oscar Piastri Crashes Out Early

Max Verstappen secured a dominant victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, achieving a lights-to-flag win that marked his fourth win of the season and his 67th career victory. Verstappen's performance included leading every lap and setting the fastest lap, showcasing his return to championship contention by closing the gap to leader Oscar Piastri to 69 points with six races remaining. George Russell finished second for Mercedes, while Carlos Sainz earned a notable third place, securing Williams' first podium in several years. McLaren suffered a major setback as championship leader Oscar Piastri crashed out on the opening lap after a jump start and subsequent incident, ending his streak of 34 consecutive points finishes and delaying McLaren's chance to clinch the Constructors' Championship. Lando Norris, Piastri's teammate, finished seventh but was unable to capitalize fully, leaving the championship battle and McLaren's title hopes open until the Singapore Grand Prix. The race underscored Verstappen's resurgence and the intensified championship fight, with McLaren forced to wait for another opportunity to secure the Constructors' title.