Verstappen Dominates in Baku to Claim 67th Career Victory

Image Credentials: Image Title: Verstappen Dominates in Baku to Claim 67th Career Victory Source: (Sora.ChatGpt) Date: September 2025. Attribution: Created using AI-generated imagery (Sora.ChatGpt), this does not depict a real-world scene.

By Isabella Harper | Staff Writer with Agencies

Max Verstappen delivered another masterclass on Sunday at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, storming to his 67th career win and fourth triumph of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The Dutchman was untouchable from lights to flag, securing his second consecutive victory after Monza and underlining his status as the benchmark of modern Formula 1.

Starting from pole, the four-time world champion completed a rare grand chelem: pole position, fastest lap, leading every lap, and taking the victory. It was the sixth of his career and his 14th hat trick, pole, fastest lap, and win. Verstappen crossed the line over 15 seconds ahead of George Russell in second, with Carlos Sainz taking a memorable podium for Williams.

“This podium is more than a trophy. It is proof that we are on the right path despite all the doubts at the beginning of the season,” said an emotional Sainz after securing Williams’ first podium since Belgium 2021.

Mercedes Rise as Ferrari Falters

Mercedes enjoyed their strongest weekend of the year, with Russell finishing second and rookie Kimi Antonelli taking fourth. The Brackley-based team leapfrogged Ferrari in the Constructors’ standings, moving into second place with 290 points to Ferrari’s 286.

Liam Lawson equaled his best-ever qualifying performance and converted it into a career-best fifth place for Racing Bulls, while teammate Yuki Tsunoda finished sixth, strengthening Red Bull’s points haul.

McLaren, meanwhile, endured a nightmare in Baku. Oscar Piastri triggered the race’s only safety car after a first-lap crash into the barriers at Turn 5, ending his race on the spot. Lando Norris had the chance to capitalize but lost precious time with a slow 4.1-second pit stop and ultimately managed only seventh place.

“It’s frustrating. After Oscar’s crash, this race was ours to take, but we cannot keep losing points like this,” Norris lamented post-race.

Ferrari’s Ongoing Struggles

Ferrari once again failed to deliver a strong result. Lewis Hamilton outperformed teammate Charles Leclerc to finish eighth, with Leclerc ninth after another muted performance. Isack Hadjar secured the final point in the tenth for Racing Bulls.

Further down the order, Gabriel Bortoleto initially finished 12th but was promoted to 11th after Alexander Albon received a five-second penalty. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll both failed to score for Aston Martin, while Sauber endured another pointless weekend, extending their slump.

Championship Picture

In the Drivers’ Championship, Oscar Piastri remains on top with 324 points despite his first DNF since 2023. Norris sits second with 299, while Verstappen closed the gap slightly in third with 255. Russell’s strong finish keeps him fourth with 212.

The Constructors’ battle remains wide open. McLaren still leads, but Mercedes’ resurgence and Ferrari’s decline have shaken up the fight heading into the final stretch of the season.

Full Race Results – Azerbaijan GP 2025

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

2. George Russell (Mercedes)

3. Carlos Sainz (Williams)

4. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

5. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)

6. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)

7. Lando Norris (McLaren)

8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

9. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)

11. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)

12. Oliver Bearman (Haas)

13. Alexander Albon (Williams)

14. Esteban Ocon (Haas)

15. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)

16. Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber)

17. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)

18. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)

19. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
    OUT. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

Driver Standings – Top 10

1. Oscar Piastri – 324

2. Lando Norris – 299

3. Max Verstappen – 255

4. George Russell – 212

5. Charles Leclerc – 165

6. Lewis Hamilton – 121

7. Kimi Antonelli – 78

8. Alexander Albon – 70

9. Isack Hadjar – 39

10. Nico Hülkenberg – 37

Formula 1 now heads to Singapore in two weeks for Round 18 of the 2025 season, with Verstappen firmly back in the title conversation and Mercedes looking stronger than ever.