Verstappen Dominates Azerbaijan GP as Sainz Delivers Historic Williams Podium

Max Verstappen turned his Monza momentum into another commanding victory at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading almost every lap from pole. Behind him, Carlos Sainz delivered a historic moment for Williams, securing the team's first podium since 2021 with a composed drive to third.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's win tightened the championship picture, moving him to within 69 points of the lead. For Williams, Sainz's podium was a breakthrough after a difficult season, proving the team's progress is real and giving the entire outfit a much-needed boost.

The details:

• Verstappen started from pole and controlled the race from start to finish, crossing the line almost 15 seconds ahead of George Russell. He also set the fastest lap on the penultimate lap.
• Sainz lined up second and held off early pressure from Liam Lawson before settling into a strong third. He couldn't match Russell's late charge but had enough pace to protect the podium.
• Oscar Piastri's race ended almost immediately. He moved before the lights went out, triggering his anti-stall system. He then lost control at Turn 5 and crashed into the barriers, bringing out an early Safety Car.
• Russell recovered from a difficult opening phase to reel in Sainz and take second, while Kimi Antonelli finished fourth, just over two seconds off the podium.
• Lando Norris struggled from seventh and finished behind Lawson and Tsunoda in seventh. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton followed, with Isack Hadjar taking the final point.

The big picture:

Piastri's early retirement handed Norris an opportunity to extend his championship lead, but the McLaren driver couldn't capitalise. Verstappen, meanwhile, continues to chip away at the deficit, and this win in Baku—his second straight after Monza—shows he remains a serious threat. For Williams, Sainz's podium is a sign that the team is finally moving in the right direction, offering hope for the rest of the season.