Overview

• Max Verstappen led every lap, took pole and fastest lap in Baku to cut Oscar Piastri’s lead to 69 points with 199 still available.
• McLaren’s Andrea Stella said Verstappen is firmly in contention but expects the MCL38 to be stronger at Singapore than it was in Baku.
• Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies welcomed gains from Monza and Baku yet warned the RB21 still struggles at high‑downforce and hot venues such as Marina Bay.
• Yuki Tsunoda said he held back some attacks in Baku because he was thinking about both championships and protecting Verstappen’s and the team’s interests.
• Carlos Sainz delivered a surprise podium for Williams, but James Vowles predicted a “tough” Singapore, while Mercedes’ P2 and P4 in Baku lifted it to second in the constructors’ standings.