At the Azerbaijan Grand Prix held over the past weekend at the Baku City Circuit, Max Verstappen reignited his Max Verstappen title hunt by delivering a commanding win that reshaped the dynamics of the Formula 1 drivers’ championship. This result came after a weekend marked by unexpected setbacks for championship leaders McLaren, opening the door to a suspense-filled finale as the season heads toward its final races.
How Verstappen’s Victory Reshaped the Championship Battle
Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time world champion, secured pole position and dominated the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, earning his second consecutive victory amidst a strong performance from Red Bull. This display was especially significant given the RB21’s early-season struggles, where for much of the first half, the car’s competitiveness was questioned. Verstappen, however, managed to extract consistent results even when the vehicle was faltering, proving his driving prowess once again.
The win cut sharply into the championship points gap. Current leader Oscar Piastri’s once comfortable advantage began to erode, bringing Verstappen back into contention with seven Grands Prix remaining, alongside the sprint races in Austin, São Paulo, and Qatar. After this event, Piastri holds a 25-point lead over his McLaren teammate Lando Norris, while Norris maintains a 44-point advantage over Verstappen. This means the difference between first and third place in the standings is 69 points, a notable but surmountable margin given the races left.
Setbacks for McLaren’s Front-Runners Open the Door for Verstappen
While McLaren aimed to secure the constructors’ championship in Baku, their drivers’ performances significantly weakened their grip on the drivers’ title. Oscar Piastri, who has earned a reputation for consistency throughout the season, experienced a disastrous weekend. Following a crash during qualifying that relegated him to ninth on the grid, Piastri compounded his problems by jumping the start in the Grand Prix. This triggered the car’s anti-stall system, pushing him to the back of the pack before the race’s first corner, an especially critical section due to the circuit’s short run from the start line.
Only a few laps later, Piastri crashed out entirely, eliminating his points haul for the race and allowing his championship lead to be whittled down. Meanwhile, Lando Norris, Piastri’s closest rival, also failed to capitalize. Despite starting seventh after a late qualifying mistake where he hit the wall, Norris remained in the same position throughout the Grand Prix and was unable to reduce the gap to his teammate.
Signs of a Three-Way Championship Contest Emerging
This series of events transformed what had seemed like a two-driver duel between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris into a genuine three-way title fight. Verstappen’s resurgence adds new excitement and unpredictability to the final stages of the championship, as points remain abundant and the form of drivers fluctuates. The Red Bull team’s improvement is increasingly apparent, a trend accelerated since Laurent Mekies assumed a greater role in overseeing performance.
Even Red Bull’s second driver, Yuki Tsunoda, showcased a notable improvement during the weekend, indicating that the team’s overall package is gaining momentum. These factors contribute to a scenario where the title could be decided right down to the wire, with pressure mounting on all contenders.
Championship Outlook: What Lies Ahead for Verstappen and Rivals
With seven races and three sprint events left on the calendar, the 2024 Formula 1 championship is poised for a thrilling conclusion. While Oscar Piastri technically holds the advantage, his performance in Baku was a reminder that inevitable mistakes can dramatically impact championship prospects. Lando Norris, despite his struggles, remains within striking distance but needs to find better qualifying form to challenge effectively.
Max Verstappen’s ability to consistently maximize Red Bull’s performance, even when the car was behind competitor standards earlier in the season, positions him as a formidable contender. This weekend proved that Verstappen is far from out of the hunt, and fans should prepare for an intense battle as the final rounds unfold in Austin, São Paulo, Qatar, and beyond.
“So, buckle up, kids. The end of this season could get wild.”
— Kym Illman, Photographer
