Who’s Looking Good to Win the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?

As the Formula 1 circus rolls into Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the championship narrative is shifting fast. Oscar Piastri holds a firm grip on the title fight following Monza, but don’t count Max Verstappen, or Lando Norris, out just yet.

Monza Mayhem: What Happened Last Time Out?

The 2025 Italian Grand Prix at Monza delivered history. Max Verstappen stamped his authority, converting pole into victory in what became the fastest World Championship Grand Prix ever. In doing so, he notched his third win of the season and his first since May.

Behind him, McLaren orchestrated controversy: after a slow stop for Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri briefly took second, but team orders forced him to yield back to Norris. Piastri complied, but the move sparked debate about fairness and intra-team diplomacy. Though fans voiced frustration, McLaren defended the call as an internal agreement to preserve harmony under pressure.

Verstappen’s Return to Form

Verstappen’s win at Monza represented more than just a result, it was a statement. After several lacklustre outings, the Dutch driver reminded the grid why he’s a multi-time world champion. He dominated qualifying with possibly the fastest lap in F1 history, then controlled the race with unerring precision. It’s a timely resurgence for Red Bull, whose car hadn’t looked quite as sharp earlier in the season.

Current Standings and Baku Contenders

Heading into Baku, the Drivers’ Championship standings are as follows:

Oscar Piastri remains the championship frontrunner. His calm under pressure, adaptability, and sheer pace make him the man to beat in the title race and in Baku. He’s also previously enjoyed success on this track.

Lando Norris is McLaren’s close second and a legitimate contender. The team’s recent strategy in Monza shows they’re keeping both drivers in the hunt, and Norris could turn the tables in a street circuit like Baku.

Max Verstappen, while trailing by nearly 100 points, has the form and experience to wreak havoc. After Monza, F1 betting online suggests there’s a chance he can make it two wins from two, and on this track, one that rewards bravery, you can see why.

George Russell looms as a dark horse. Sitting fourth in the standings, he’s consistently scored points and could capitalise if the frontrunners falter.

Looking Ahead to Baku

Azerbaijan’s layout is a unique blend of long straights and tight, unforgiving corners. It demands setup compromises and precision from drivers, an arena where Verstappen and Piastri both excel.

For Piastri and Norris, the race presents an opportunity to extend McLaren’s advantage and cement their title credentials. For Verstappen, it’s a chance to reignite his campaign with back-to-back wins.

Conclusion

If Monza proved anything, it’s that momentum in F1 is fragile and can shift in a single weekend. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix offers another pivotal chapter. Will Piastri reinforce his championship lead? Can Norris close the gap? Or will Verstappen’s return to form trigger a late-season surge? All eyes are on Baku.

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