F1 News Today: Verstappen stuns in Baku as McLaren sabotage theory floated… Read more

F1 News Today: Verstappen Triumphs in Baku as McLaren Meltdown Fuels Sabotage Claims

 

 

Max Verstappen has reignited his title push with a commanding win at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, securing back-to-back victories and leaving McLaren reeling after a nightmare weekend in Baku.

 

The reigning world champion showed composure and consistency on a circuit that has often caught drivers out. After a flawless qualifying session that saw him start on pole, Verstappen managed his pace superbly on race day, controlling the pack and crossing the finish line unchallenged. The Red Bull star’s performance was a reminder of why he has four consecutive titles to his name, and with his recent surge in form, whispers of a championship comeback have begun to intensify.

 

For McLaren, however, it was a weekend to forget. Their championship leader Oscar Piastri, who had been on track to strengthen his grip on the drivers’ standings, saw his race unravel almost immediately. The Australian made a series of surprising errors within the opening corners and crashed out before completing a full lap. His early exit sent shockwaves through the paddock and triggered a storm of speculation about whether nerves, pressure, or even internal team issues played a role in the disaster.

 

To make matters worse, Lando Norris endured a frustrating afternoon. A slow pit stop cost him valuable track position, and despite battling hard, the Briton could only salvage seventh place. That result left McLaren with a disappointing points haul and delayed what many thought would be their crowning moment as 2025 constructors’ champions. Instead, the team must now wait until the Singapore Grand Prix for another shot at sealing the title.

 

Adding intrigue to McLaren’s collapse were murmurs of a “sabotage theory” floating around the paddock, with some observers questioning how such a dominant team could fall apart so suddenly and dramatically. While no evidence has emerged, the timing of their struggles—right as Verstappen’s resurgence gains momentum—has fueled endless debate among fans and pundits alike.

 

Elsewhere on the grid, Mercedes delivered one of their strongest weekends of the season. George Russell, who had been battling illness in the days leading up to the race, dug deep to secure second place, finishing 14.6 seconds behind Verstappen. His resilience earned widespread praise and provided Mercedes with a much-needed morale boost.

 

Williams also celebrated a breakthrough as Carlos Sainz claimed his first podium since departing Ferrari. The Spaniard drove a controlled and strategic race, keeping the pressure on Russell without overextending himself, and his third-place finish added valuable points to Williams’ campaign.

 

Behind them, Mercedes’ teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli once again showcased why he is considered one of the brightest talents on the grid. The 18-year-old Italian crossed the line in fourth, narrowly missing out on a maiden podium but earning plaudits for his mature performance. Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson completed the top five, capitalising on McLaren’s misfortune to bring home one of the best results of his young career.

 

The rest of the top ten featured a mix of familiar faces and emerging names. Yuki Tsunoda added more points for Red Bull in sixth, ahead of Norris in seventh. Ferrari’s duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc finished eighth and ninth respectively, while Racing Bulls’ rookie Isack Hadjar secured the final points-paying position in tenth.

 

Behind them, Gabriel Bortoleto and Oliver Bearman impressed with steady drives for Kick Sauber and Haas, while Alex Albon, Esteban Ocon, Fernando Alonso, and Nico Hulkenberg all finished further down the order. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll struggled for pace, and Alpine endured another poor outing, with Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto both finishing a lap down.

 

With Verstappen’s latest victory, the championship battle has taken on a new dimension. McLaren remain favourites, but the gap has narrowed, and their veneer of invincibility has been cracked. If Baku was anything to go by, the fight for the 2025 drivers’ crown is far from over, and Verstappen’s rivals will be wary of a champion who thrives under pressure.

 

Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025 Results:

 

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

 

 

2. George Russell (Mercedes) +14.609s

 

 

3. Carlos Sainz (Williams) +19.199s

 

 

4. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +21.760s

 

 

5. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +33.290s

 

 

6. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) +33.808s

 

 

7. Lando Norris (McLaren) +34.227s

 

 

8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +36.310s

 

 

9. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +36.774s

 

 

10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) +38.982s

 

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