Max dominates Baku, McLaren fluff first title attempt

MAX Verstappen showed the field on Sunday that he and Red Bull remain serious threats to both Formula One championships, producing a commanding lights-to-flag triumph at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

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The Dutchman's second consecutive win from pole position reaffirmed Red Bull’s competitive edge following the mid-season departure of long-serving team boss Christian Horner and highlighted the effectiveness of new chief Laurent Mekies’ softer, technically focused management approach.

The race proved to be a cruel turn of fortune for McLaren.

World drivers’ championship leader Oscar Piastri suffered an early exit on the opening lap after locking up at Turn 6, ending his remarkable run of 34 consecutive points finishes. Teammate Lando Norris managed only seventh, missing a prime opportunity to narrow the gap in the drivers’ championship and secure a second straight Constructors’ title for McLaren.

With seven races remaining, Piastri tops the standings on 324 points, with Norris second on 299 and Verstappen third on 255. In the constructors’ championship, Red Bull have 272 points, trailing Ferrari on 286, Mercedes on 290, and McLaren on 623.