JUST IN: Max Verstappen decision reversed after Azerbaijan Grand Prix revelation… Read more
Max Verstappen Back in Title Hunt After Azerbaijan Grand Prix Victory Turns Championship Narrative on Its Head
Max Verstappen delivered a reminder to the Formula 1 world that his championship credentials should never be underestimated, as he stormed to victory in the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Red Bull ace, often seen as vulnerable at the Baku City Circuit in previous years, stunned critics by not only snatching pole position but also converting it into a controlled race win.
The result marks his second consecutive victory of the season and has dramatically shifted the tone of the championship conversation. For much of 2025, McLaren have been the outright favourites, leading the way in both the constructors’ and drivers’ standings. Their dominance began in Melbourne when the papaya team came out flying, leading many in the paddock and the media to suggest that Verstappen’s reign as champion was nearing its end.
However, the Dutchman’s triumph in Baku has reopened the debate about who really holds the upper hand with seven races remaining. Verstappen, who already boasts four straight world titles, has endured a turbulent year filled with inconsistent results and major shake-ups within Red Bull’s leadership. But his pedigree as one of the sport’s most relentless competitors was once again on full display as he secured a vital win in Azerbaijan.
The weekend could hardly have gone worse for McLaren. Oscar Piastri, who has been leading the charge in the drivers’ championship, was forced to retire from the race after a shock DNF, while team-mate Lando Norris could only manage seventh place. This left McLaren with far fewer points than expected, denying them the opportunity to seal the constructors’ crown in Baku.
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s recent upgrade package—introduced in Monza—appears to be paying significant dividends. In Azerbaijan, the team recorded their highest points tally since the Chinese Grand Prix last season, a clear indication that the Milton Keynes-based outfit are back on the right track.
Red Bull principal Laurent Mekies, who only recently took charge and is in his fifth race at the helm, was keen to temper expectations. Speaking after the race, he insisted the team are approaching the remainder of the campaign with a “race-by-race” mindset. Still, the tone was notably more optimistic than in previous weeks. Mekies highlighted the importance of finally having the pace to compete with McLaren, suggesting the team are rediscovering their competitive edge at a crucial moment.
For Verstappen, the implications are clear. His back-to-back wins have yielded a maximum of 50 points, bringing him within striking distance of the leaders. He now sits just 44 points behind Norris and 69 points adrift of Piastri. Though those margins remain sizeable, history has shown that momentum can swing quickly in Formula 1. With reliability issues and driver errors beginning to creep into McLaren’s campaign, Verstappen may yet have an opening to close the gap.
While the idea of a fifth consecutive world title might still appear ambitious, it is no longer beyond the realm of possibility. The Dutchman’s form, coupled with Red Bull’s upgrades, suggests that the reigning champion is ready to exploit any weakness from his rivals. Even if he falls short of overhauling Piastri, Verstappen could still finish between the McLaren pair, a scenario that would underline the pressure now mounting on the papaya squad.
For McLaren, the Azerbaijan setback serves as a wake-up call. What once looked like a straightforward march to both championships now feels more uncertain, particularly with Verstappen finding rhythm at the business end of the season. His Azerbaijan victory is more than just another win—it is a statement that the fight is far from over.
With seven races still to go, the 2025 F1 season is wide open. Verstappen’s resurgence has breathed new life into the championship battle, and his rivals know full well that a driver of his calibre can turn faint hopes into remarkable comebacks. For the first time this year, McLaren may have to reckon with the fact that the “flying Dutchman” is back in the hunt.
About The Author
