The Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday was packed with action, drama and crashes. McLaren's Oscar Piastri picked up the victory in Baku, but the major talking point of the race was the car crash that took place between Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. Due to the crash both drivers lost the chance to finish on the podium.
The real drama unfolded in the penultimate lap when Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez clashed fiercely for third place. Sainz had gained the upper hand at Turn 1, but as Perez tried to retake the position after Turn 2, the two drivers collided, resulting in both crashing out of the race in a dramatic fashion. Following the crash Perez can be heard saying, "What the f***! Is he crazy?!" over the radio.
Final standings after conclusion of Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Oscar Piastri won at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which helped McLaren reach the top of the constructors' standings. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who had started from pole, was overtaken by Piastri on Lap 20 and fought hard to regain the lead. However, his tires eventually faded, and he settled for second place. Mercedes' George Russell took advantage of the Sainz-Perez crash to secure third.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished fifth, just behind McLaren’s Lando Norris, who started 15th but climbed to fourth and earned a bonus point for the fastest lap. Verstappen’s lead in the championship over Norris was reduced from 62 to 59 points. With seven races remaining, McLaren now leads Red Bull by 20 points.
Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso finished sixth, while Williams benefited from the late crash, with Alex Albon taking seventh and rookie Franco Colapinto finishing eighth. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton crossed the line in ninth after starting from the pit lane. Haas rookie Oliver Bearman, standing in for the suspended Kevin Magnussen, secured the final point in tenth. Bearman, who made his debut with Ferrari earlier this year, has now scored points for two different teams in just two races.
