Verstappen seizes Baku win as Sainz delivers Williams breakthrough

Max Verstappen launched from pole and stamped his authority on Baku, claiming his fourth win this year with Red Bull’s metronomic precision, September 21.

George Russell attacked into Turn 1 but fell back as Verstappen imposed a rhythm the Mercedes could not replicate.

Carlos Sainz fought from the front row and carried Williams to its first full-race podium since Lance Stroll’s 2017 Azerbaijan heroics.

Oscar Piastri’s McLaren slammed out on Lap 1, Baku’s unforgiving streets immediately cutting the grid.

Ferrari faltered again, releasing Charles Leclerc into midfield congestion that strangled his recovery.

On Lap 28 Verstappen pitted, then sliced past Russell with DRS on the kilometre-long straight to reassert command.

From there, the Dutchman managed tyres and pace with trademark economy, stretching the margin beyond reach.

The chequered flag waved with Verstappen 14 seconds clear, Russell secure in second, and Sainz clinching a cathartic rostrum for Grove.

Lewis Hamilton trailed in fourth as Leclerc, Alex Albon, Yuki Tsunoda, Nico Hülkenberg, and Kevin Magnussen filled the points.

The outcome reaffirmed Verstappen’s supremacy while reigniting Williams’ long-dormant competitive flame.