Piastri Secures Thrilling Azerbaijan GP Victory Over Leclerc Amid Late Chaos

Piastri Victorious in Chaotic Azerbaijan GP, Leclerc Second

The 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix delivered high drama, culminating in Oscar Piastri securing his second career victory. The McLaren driver edged out pole-sitter Charles Leclerc, with George Russell capitalizing on late-race chaos to snatch third place.

Why it matters:

Oscar Piastri's win marks another significant milestone in his burgeoning F1 career and underlines McLaren's strong performance this season. The dramatic finish, featuring a crucial late collision, reshuffled the podium and added to the championship narrative.

The Race Unfolds:

• Leclerc's Strong Start: Pole-sitter Charles Leclerc maintained his lead through Turn 1, with Oscar Piastri and Sergio Perez slotting in behind. Perez had initially passed Carlos Sainz.
• Norris's Charge: Starting from the back following a Q1 exit, Lando Norris made rapid progress, entering the points by lap three and easily overtaking several drivers, including a struggling Max Verstappen.
• Piastri Takes the Lead: Following the first round of pit stops, Piastri launched a decisive overtake on Leclerc at the start of lap 20, taking control of the race.

The Battle for the Lead:

Piastri, despite leading, couldn't pull a significant gap, with Leclerc staying in close pursuit. The Ferrari driver mounted unsuccessful attacks on laps 29 and 32, showcasing McLaren's defensive strength.

Late-Race Drama:

In the final laps, Leclerc began to suffer severe tire degradation, allowing teammate Sainz and Perez to close in. With just two laps remaining, Sainz attempted an overtake on Leclerc at Turn 2. The move was contested, leading to contact with Perez on the ensuing straight, forcing both the Ferrari and Red Bull drivers to retire from the race. George Russell skillfully navigated the incident, moving into an unexpected third position.

The Outcome:

Piastri crossed the finish line to claim his second career F1 victory, cementing McLaren's strong form. Leclerc held on for a commendable second place, while Russell's opportunistic move secured a valuable podium finish for Mercedes.