Oscar Piastri clinches victory in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after starting from second on the grid, while McLaren pulls ahead of Red Bull by 20 points.

Oscar Piastri has achieved a remarkable victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, propelling McLaren to the top of the constructors’ championship standings. The race concluded under a virtual safety car due to a dramatic collision on the penultimate lap involving Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. This incident added a thrilling twist to an already intense race.

Starting from pole position, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc initially led the race but was overtaken by Piastri on the 20th of the 51 laps. Following the pass, the two drivers engaged in a fierce battle, with Leclerc employing the Drag Reduction System (DRS) in a bid to reclaim the lead. However, as the race progressed, Leclerc’s tyres began to fade, and he ultimately finished in second place. Mercedes’ George Russell capitalized on the late collision between Sainz and Perez to inherit third place, securing crucial points for his team.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who currently leads the Formula One championship, finished in fifth place, just behind his closest title rival, Lando Norris. Starting from 15th on the grid, Norris had an impressive race, climbing to fourth place and earning an additional point for the fastest lap. This performance allowed him to cut Verstappen’s championship lead from 62 points to 59.

After his victory, Piastri reflected on the race, stating, “That was probably the most stressful afternoon of my life.” He endured relentless pressure from Leclerc throughout the race, ultimately achieving his second career win. Piastri added, “It goes down as one of the better races of my career.” The intense duel between Piastri and Leclerc showcased the skill and determination of both drivers, as they fought for every position on the track.

As the race unfolded, Leclerc’s attempts to pass Piastri repeatedly fell short, and he began to lose pace, falling into the grasp of Perez and Sainz. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso delivered a solid performance for Aston Martin, finishing in sixth place. The late crash also benefited the Williams team, allowing Alex Albon to cross the line in seventh, with Argentine rookie Franco Colapinto following closely behind in eighth.

In a surprising turn of events, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton managed to finish ninth for Mercedes, having started from the pit lane due to a pre-race issue. British rookie Oliver Bearman made a significant impact by scoring the final point for Haas, stepping in for suspended driver Kevin Magnussen. Bearman has now impressively scored points for two different teams in his first two races, having made his debut with Ferrari as a substitute for Sainz earlier in the season due to the latter’s appendicitis.

As the race approached its climax, Perez attempted to pass Leclerc for second place on the penultimate lap, but his efforts were thwarted when Sainz seized the opportunity to move ahead. The ensuing battle between the Spaniard and the Mexican driver ended in disaster as they collided at Turn Two, sending both cars into the wall and prompting the virtual safety car.

With this win, McLaren now holds a 20-point lead over Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, marking a significant achievement with only seven rounds remaining in the season. The team’s resurgence in form has been remarkable, and Piastri’s victory is a testament to the hard work and determination of the entire McLaren team.

In summary, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix delivered an exhilarating spectacle, filled with close racing, strategic battles, and unexpected twists. Oscar Piastri’s victory not only highlights his talent and resilience but also cements McLaren’s position as a formidable contender in the championship. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling races and intense battles on the track.