Piastri triumphs in Baku as McLaren ends Red Bull’s dominance

Oscar Piastri delivered a commanding performance to win a thrilling Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday, securing McLaren’s position as the team to beat in the constructors’ championship. The 23-year-old Australian’s victory ended Red Bull’s two-year dominance and propelled McLaren past their rivals in the title race.

Piastri took control of the race on lap 20 with a bold move at Turn One, overtaking Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who had started on pole. Piastri finished 10.910 seconds ahead of Leclerc, who struggled on worn tires in the closing stages.

“What a day that was!” said Piastri over team radio. “That was the most stressful afternoon of my life. Thanks for the car!”

Mercedes’ George Russell claimed third, benefiting from a late crash between Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. The incident forced both drivers out of the race, triggering a Virtual Safety Car finish.

Piastri’s teammate, Lando Norris, fought from 15th to finish fourth, beating Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who finished fifth. Piastri’s win lifted McLaren to 476 points in the constructors’ standings, 20 points ahead of Red Bull, while Verstappen’s drivers’ championship lead narrowed to 59 points.

(Source: AFP)