Verstappen Dominates in Baku

Dutch four-time world champion Max Verstappen (Red Bull) took victory this Sunday at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the 17th round of the Formula 1 World Championship, on the streets of Baku. Spanish driver Carlos Sainz (Williams) finished third, claiming his first podium with his new team and the 28th of his career, which includes four wins.

At 27, Verstappen started from pole and secured his 67th career win, his fourth of the season and second in a row after triumphing two weeks ago in Monza. The Dutchman had no trouble dominating once again in Baku —where he also won in 2022— finishing ahead of Britain’s George Russell (Mercedes) and Sainz, who was named “Driver of the Day.” For the Spaniard, the third-place finish felt like a victory, ending a rough stretch of six races without points.

A Vital Podium for Carlos Sainz

While Verstappen celebrated yet another victory, it was Sainz who left Baku the happiest. At 31, the Madrid-born driver finally ended his streak of bad luck and stood on the podium for the first time with Williams, a team he joined this season. He previously earned podiums with McLaren and Ferrari, but this one felt especially significant.

“I can’t describe how happy I am. It feels better than my first podium. Yesterday I said it was a dream, and sometimes dreams come true when you work hard,” Sainz said, visibly emotional after the race.

McLaren Falters, Piastri Holds the Lead

It was a tough weekend for McLaren, who could have mathematically sealed the Constructors’ Championship but failed to do so. Australian driver Oscar Piastri crashed out on the first lap but still leads the standings with 324 points, holding a 25-point advantage over teammate Lando Norris, who finished seventh.

Despite being far from a fifth consecutive title, Verstappen has reignited the excitement in what many are calling the “McLaren Formula.” He remains third in the standings, now 69 points behind Piastri, but continues to prove he can still shake up the championship.