Verstappen Commands Baku to Cut Piastri’s Lead as McLaren Misses Podium

Overview

• Max Verstappen led all 51 laps and set the fastest lap to win by 14.6 seconds over George Russell.
• Oscar Piastri crashed on the first lap, triggered a safety car and retired, narrowing his cushion in the drivers’ standings.
• Carlos Sainz finished third to secure Williams’ first podium with him and the team’s first top-three since 2021.
• Lando Norris finished seventh, marking only the second race this season without a McLaren on the podium.
• Gabriel Bortoleto placed 11th after Alexander Albon’s penalty, and Mercedes moved ahead of Ferrari for second in the constructors’ table.