Max Verstappen delivered a commanding performance at the Azerbaijan GP, securing another decisive victory that reminded fans of his dominant 2023 season. The Dutch Red Bull driver started from pole position and maintained his lead throughout the race, reinforcing his growing momentum in the 2025 championship battle.
Verstappen had initially doubted his chances at the title this year, but recent strong showings, including his Azerbaijan GP triumph, have reenergized his campaign. Heading into this race, Verstappen trailed championship leader Oscar Piastri by 69 points, benefiting from Piastri’s retirement after crashing into the barriers twice during the weekend. The victory marked Verstappen’s second race win in succession and made him only the second driver to claim multiple wins in Azerbaijan, following teammate Sergio Perez.
Verstappen Praises Red Bull’s Race Pace and Tire Performance
After crossing the finish line in Baku, Verstappen expressed satisfaction with how the Red Bull team and car performed throughout the weekend. The reigning world champion highlighted that the race unfolded smoothly, aided by balanced tire strategies involving both medium and hard compounds. He described the race as straightforward, which helped him maintain control from start to finish in the challenging street circuit environment.
“I think this weekend has been incredible for us. For us to win here again is fantastic. In the race the car was working well on both compounds. It was pretty straight forward.” Max Verstappen said post-race
Unexpected Calm in Azerbaijan GP Despite Usual Chaos
The Azerbaijan GP is well known for its unpredictable nature, often featuring multiple crashes and several Safety Car periods. This year’s qualifying session mirrored that trend, with multiple red flags disrupting drivers’ runs. Despite the chaotic build-up, the race itself was comparatively calm, with only one Safety Car deployment triggered by Oscar Piastri’s second crash into the barriers.
Verstappen remarked on the rarity of the race’s smoothness, joking about how he was surprised to see so few Safety Car interventions during the event. This unexpected lack of interruptions contributed to a consistent race pace and allowed Verstappen to build and maintain his lead without major disruptions.
“I was happy that there were not too many Safety Cars! For sure the last two race weekends have ben amazing for us.” Max Verstappen added
Strong Momentum Builds with Two Consecutive Wins
Following his victory in Azerbaijan, Verstappen’s prospects in the 2025 championship are noticeably improving, despite still facing a significant points deficit behind Piastri. After a record-setting performance at Monza, Verstappen’s back-to-back wins demonstrate his ability to challenge McLaren’s pace advantage that has dominated much of the season. With eight races remaining, Verstappen’s resurgence could impact the title fight more than expected.
The Baku street race success could signal a shift in the competitive dynamics of the championship, emphasizing how Verstappen and Red Bull’s strategy and consistency might generate challenges for the current leaders. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see if this streak translates into sustained threat as the season unfolds.
Oscar Piastri’s crashes during the Azerbaijan GP and Verstappen’s flawless execution underscore the unpredictability and intense competition defining this year’s Formula 1 season. How Verstappen capitalizes on this renewed momentum will be pivotal in shaping the final stages of the championship.
Max Verstappen: I think this weekend has been incredible for us. For us to win here again is fantastic. In the race the car was working well on both compounds. It was pretty straight forward.
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) September 21, 2025
Max Verstappen: I was happy that there were not too many Safety Cars! For sure the last two race weekends have ben amazing for us.
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) September 21, 2025
