Maximum domination in Baku as McLaren, Ferrari face challenges

ONLY the very best drivers perform without being upset by the elements or the pressure of a street circuit race, as Max Verstappen demonstrated while others struggled at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

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The four-time champion’s masterful 67th victory on the unforgiving Baku track on Sunday confirmed that, with a second successive win, he not only remains a serious threat in the drivers’ championship, but Red Bull have recovered their pace and poise.

Verstappen back in title hunt

Two months after the shock exit of long-serving boss Christian Horner, who officially left Red Bull after reportedly agreeing a huge payoff on Monday, a seemingly calmer team has recovered their mojo thanks to an update introduced at Monza - and a revitalised Verstappen is the man in form.

Two straight wins in Italy and Azerbaijan, the first double since June 2024, have lifted him to within 69 points of McLaren's series leader Oscar Piastri with seven GP remaining. New team chief Laurent Mekies’s softer, more technical management style is reaping rewards and improving Red Bull’s chances of retaining their star driver beyond 2026.