Verstappen victorious, Piastri crashes out of Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Max Verstappen with the winner’s trophy

Red Bull's Max Verstappen looked to be back at his title-winning best as he cruised to victory in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday while McLaren's championship leader Oscar Piastri's (324 pts) first-lap crash allowed teammate Lando Norris (299 pts) to trim his Formula 1 points advantage.

Verstappen was in control from start to finish after taking pole position in a chaotic qualifying session on Saturday and had a vast lead by the time he made his only pit stop.

Defending world champion Max Verstappen in his Red Bull car during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku on Sunday. Pics/AFP

"The car was working really well. It was a pretty straightforward race. Of course, it's not easy around here, very windy today, so the car is always moving around a little, but of course, incredibly happy with this performance," said Verstappen.

George Russell of Mercedes finished second while battling illness and Carlos Sainz came home in third place for Williams's first podium finish in four years.
At the start, Piastri nearly stalled on the grid and dropped to the back of the field, before sliding into the barrier as he tried to recover places.

McLaren could have secured the constructors's title on Sunday with seven races to go, but will now have to wait until at least the next race in Singapore in two weeks's time.

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