The 2025 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix ended with Max Verstappen claiming a dominant pole-to-win victory. The race was largely straightforward, with excitement mainly coming from the first-lap crash, pit stop strategies, and a few overtakes.
At the start, Verstappen launched cleanly and maintained the lead without pressure. Behind him, Russell and Tsunoda battled fiercely, with Tsunoda briefly overtaking before Russell reclaimed his spot on lap 10 with the fastest lap.
Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025 race review: Verstappen pole-to-win, Piastri crashes out on lap 1, and Sainz takes Williams back to the podium.
Drama struck immediately when Oscar Piastri jumped the start and crashed into the wall, forcing an early safety car. By lap 5, racing resumed, but the Australian’s early exit defined the opening chaos.
Among the top 10, only Verstappen, Russell, and Tsunoda started on hard tires, creating some strategy variation. Antonelli attempted an undercut on Lawson but failed, while Albon collided with Colapinto on lap 17, resulting in a broken front wing, a 10-second penalty, and Colapinto’s retirement.
Carlos Sainz opted for an early stop to avoid undercut pressure, rejoining in sixth. Later, Russell executed a successful undercut to leapfrog Sainz, securing second place and a return to the podium. Meanwhile, Norris struggled, stuck behind Lawson and Tsunoda, eventually finishing only seventh.
Ferrari swapped positions late in the race, with Hamilton overtaking Leclerc for ninth place. By lap 40 onwards, the race settled into a predictable rhythm, with little overtaking and trains forming in the midfield.
At the flag, Verstappen claimed a comfortable win, Russell finished second, and Sainz delivered Williams’ first podium since 2017. Behind them, Antonelli, Lawson, and Tsunoda achieved strong career-best finishes, while Norris and Leclerc lost key opportunities to score.
Overall, the Azerbaijan GP lacked drama compared to qualifying, but Sainz’s podium return and Piastri’s costly exit provided the weekend’s main headlines.
