Verstappen puts pressure in the title race

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix reshaped the outlook of the season. Dutch driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) secured back-to-back victories, reaching 255 points to remain third in the standings, now 69 behind Oscar Piastri (McLaren), who still leads with 324.

The Australian endured a disastrous weekend, crashing in both qualifying and the race, which forced him to retire on the opening lap without scoring. His teammate, Englishman Lando Norris, didn’t shine either, finishing only seventh. Still, he climbed to 299 points, slightly closing the gap to Piastri.

This win in Baku revived Verstappen’s title hopes. While a fifth championship still seems complicated, a strong finish combined with slip-ups from McLaren could turn what seemed impossible into a realistic goal.

Mercedes and Ferrari stay in the hunt

Behind the leading trio, George Russell (Mercedes) climbed to 212 points after finishing second in Azerbaijan, solidifying himself as the fourth force in the standings. Ferrari’s pair follow: Charles Leclerc with 165 and Lewis Hamilton with 121. Youngster Kimi Antonelli sits seventh with 78 points, just ahead of Alexander Albon with 70.

In the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren remains dominant with 623 points, more than double Mercedes (290). Close behind are Ferrari with 286, while Red Bull has surged into contention with 272 points, joining the battle for a podium finish.

All eyes on Singapore

The next stop is the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, October 5. McLaren will have another chance to secure the constructors’ crown, but much of the attention will be on whether Verstappen can keep his momentum and further pressure the Woking-based team.

With seven races remaining, the 2025 season promises a thrilling finale, where every point could determine the next world champion in both the drivers’ and teams’ standings.