Verstappen wins Azerbaijan GP after Piastri crash on lap 1

Max Verstappen dominated the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, taking victory after securing pole position in a chaotic qualifying session. Championship leader Oscar Piastri crashed out on the first lap, nearly stalling on the grid and hitting the barrier as he tried to recover, which allowed his McLaren teammate Lando Norris to reduce Piastri's points lead by finishing seventh. Despite Norris's efforts, including a late pit stop strategy to gain a tyre advantage, he was unable to make significant progress as he got stuck behind other cars, limiting his points gain to six. Mercedes' George Russell finished second, and Carlos Sainz secured third, marking Williams' first podium since 2021. The race underscored the challenges of the Baku City Circuit, known for its long straights and narrow, unforgiving street layout that often results in accidents and strategic complexity. With seven races remaining, the title fight remains intense, with McLaren unable to clinch the constructors' championship at this stage.