BAKU, Azerbaijan — Max Verstappen looked to be back at his title-winning best in a dominant run.
McLaren’s title-chasing drivers looked like also-rans.
Verstappen, the four-time reigning Formula 1 champion for Red Bull Racing, cruised to victory in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as championship leader Oscar Piastri’s crash on the first lap Sunday allowed teammate Lando Norris to trim his points advantage — but not deal a decisive blow.
Verstappen was in control from start to finish after taking pole position in a chaotic qualifying session Saturday. The 27-year-old had a vast lead by the time he made his only pit stop Sunday and was well on his way to the 67th GP win of his F1 career. It came after an open weekend that followed his Italian Grand Prix victory on Sept. 7.
“The car was working really well,” Verstappen said. “It was pretty straightforward. Of course, it’s not easy around here, very windy today, so the car is always moving around a little, but of course, incredibly happy with this performance.”