The 2025 Formula 1 season has been one of the most exciting in recent memory, and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku only added more drama to the story. On September 21, the streets of the Caspian capital produced a race full of tension, surprises, and high-stakes championship implications.
Max Verstappen took a much-needed victory for Red Bull, while title leader Oscar Piastri suffered his first major setback of the season, crashing out on the opening lap.
With just seven races left on the calendar, the fight for the World Championship is more alive than ever. McLaren is still the strongest team, but small weaknesses are starting to show, giving their closest rivals some hope.
Azerbaijan GP Recap
The Baku City Circuit is known for its unpredictability, and this year’s race lived up to its reputation. Right from the start, chaos unfolded. Oscar Piastri, who had been enjoying a remarkable season, he secured seven wins in the 2025 season so far, lost control at the first corner and slammed into the barriers. His retirement meant he scored no points for the first time in 2025, shaking up the championship picture.
Max Verstappen seized the opportunity and drove a flawless race. After a tough run of results where McLaren had overshadowed Red Bull, the Dutchman showed why he is a four-time world champion. He managed his tyres well, controlled the pace, and kept rivals at bay, crossing the finish line to claim Red Bull’s third victory of the season.
Meanwhile, Lando Norris could not make the most of his teammate’s bad luck. The Brit had problems with tyre wear and a slow strategy, which left him in seventh place. George Russell gave Mercedes a solid result with a finishing second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton kept their team in the fight with steady points. Carlos Sainz claimed his first podium with Williams by finishing third at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Top Performers in Baku
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – The standout of the weekend. Verstappen showed great control and speed to take another victory this season, adding 25 points that keep his title chances alive.
George Russell (Mercedes) – Russell continues to show maturity and consistency. His good points finish helped Mercedes move slightly ahead of Ferrari in the Constructors’ standings.
Carlos Sainz (Williams) – Delivered one of his best drives of the season, extracting maximum pace from Williams on the tricky streets of Baku. His clever tyre management and late-race overtakes secured a well-deserved points finish, specifically a podium finish (P3).
These drivers stood out not just for their finishing positions but also for the way they adapted to Baku’s unique demands: long straights, tricky braking zones, and high-stakes overtaking opportunities.
2025 F1 Drivers’ Championship Standings (After Azerbaijan GP)
| Position | Driver | Team | Points |
| 1 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 324 |
| 2 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 299 |
| 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 255 |
| 4 | George Russell | Mercedes | 212 |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 165 |
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 121 |
| 7 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 78 |
| 8 | Alexander Albon | Williams | 70 |
| 9 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | 39 |
| 10 | Nico Hülkenberg | Sauber | 37 |
Even though Piastri did not score in Baku, he still holds the championship lead with 324 points. Norris is now just 25 points behind, keeping the fight wide open. Verstappen’s victory pushes him to 255 points, giving him a realistic chance to re-enter the battle if McLaren slip again.
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Constructors’ Championship Standings (After Azerbaijan GP)
| Position | Team | Points |
| 1 | McLaren | 623 |
| 2 | Mercedes | 290 |
| 3 | Ferrari | 286 |
| 4 | Red Bull Racing | 272 |
| 5 | Williams | 101 |
| 6 | Racing Bulls | 72 |
| 7 | Aston Martin | 62 |
| 8 | Sauber | 55 |
| 9 | Haas | 44 |
| 10 | Alpine | 20 |
McLaren’s dominance in the Constructors’ Championship remains overwhelming. With 623 points, they are more than double the total of their nearest rivals. Behind them, the battle for second is heating up. Mercedes leads Ferrari by just four points, while Red Bull is only 18 points further back, setting up a thrilling three-way fight for runner-up status.
What’s Next?
The next stop on the 2025 calendar is the Singapore Grand Prix, one of the most demanding street circuits in the world. McLaren will be eager to bounce back after Piastri’s crash and Norris’s struggles in Baku. For Verstappen, the momentum from Azerbaijan could mark the start of a late-season push.
Mercedes and Ferrari see Singapore as another opportunity to close the gap, especially with its tight corners and focus on strategy, areas where both teams have been improving. In the midfield, Williams, Racing Bulls, Aston Martin, Sauber, Haas, and Alpine will all be battling hard for points, where even small results could play a big role in shaping the final standings.
Conclusion
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix reminded fans that anything can happen in Formula 1. Piastri may still lead the championship, but his crash has brought the title race back to life. McLaren are still the team to beat, yet all eyes are now on Norris and Verstappen to see if they can push Piastri all the way to the final round.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
