Race Report: Verstappen Dominates in Azerbaijan
Max Verstappen extended his winning streak with a commanding victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking his second consecutive win and his first back-to-back triumphs since June. Starting from pole, Verstappen led every lap, clinching his sixth career grand slam and becoming the second driver to achieve multiple wins in Baku, following his former teammate, Sergio Pérez.
The win comes on the heels of an impressive performance in Italy, where Verstappen claimed victory by the largest margin of the season. “Together with Monza, this feels like the best the RB21 has been this year,” Verstappen noted post-race, adding that the car’s performance has been critical in achieving these results.
Verstappen described the Baku race as “pretty straightforward,” attributing his success to excellent car handling and strategy during the first stint. “I was able to extend my first stint a lot, which helped manage the race effectively,” he explained. He navigated traffic with patience, ensuring a smooth finish.
Team principal Andrea Stella of McLaren suggested that recent upgrades to Red Bull’s chassis have significantly altered the competitive landscape. Despite this resurgence, Verstappen remained cautious about jumping to conclusions. “It’s still early to assess our standing; each race presents different challenges,” he commented, looking ahead to the next event in Singapore, which requires a different configuration.
Currently, Verstappen trails title leader Oscar Piastri by 69 points. When asked about his championship prospects, he responded pragmatically: “I don’t rely on hope. I focus on performing at my best in each race.”
As the season progresses, Verstappen’s resurgence in form signals a pivotal moment ahead, with upcoming races set to determine the trajectory of the championship battle.
