The 2025 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix ended with a familiar sight — Red Bull’s Max Verstappen crossing the finish line first after a tense 51-lap battle through the streets of Baku. The race was filled with incidents, penalties, and strategy calls that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Starting from pole on hard tires, Verstappen managed to defend his position against Carlos Sainz, who had the advantage of medium compounds. Early drama struck as Oscar Piastri suffered a poor start, dropped to last, and later crashed out at Turn 5, forcing the safety car to make an appearance. Shortly after, Nico Hülkenberg and Esteban Ocon made light contact, adding to the chaos.
Fernando Alonso was handed a 5-second penalty for a jump start, while later in the race Alex Albon’s collision with Franco Colapinto caused the Argentine to spin. Colapinto was able to continue, but Albon received a 10-second penalty. Meanwhile, McLaren’s Lando Norris endured another painfully slow pit stop, reminiscent of his Monza misfortune.
When the checkered flag fell, Verstappen once again stood tall as the victor. George Russell secured second for Mercedes, while Carlos Sainz surprisingly gave Williams a spot on the podium. Rising star Kimi Antonelli finished fourth, followed by Liam Lawson in fifth. The Azerbaijan GP will be remembered as one of the season’s most eventful and unpredictable races.