Piastri’s Triumph in Azerbaijan: McLaren Seizes Constructors’ Lead Amid Perez-Sainz Collision Drama

Oscar Piastri secures victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, propelling McLaren to the top of the constructors' standings. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz are involved in a collision.

Oscar Piastri made a stunning move past Charles Leclerc to secure his second Formula 1 win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which concluded with a dramatic crash involving Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz.

Leclerc started the race in the lead from pole position and seemed to have everything under control until Piastri made a surprising move, catching up to the Ferrari driver and executing a stunning late overtake on the inside of Turn 1 during Lap 20.

The duo raced closely, with frequent battles for the lead. However, Piastri’s strong defensive maneuvers at crucial sections of the circuit allowed him to stay ahead of Leclerc. This prevented Leclerc, who has secured four consecutive pole positions in Baku, from claiming his first win on the streets by the Caspian Sea.

During the weekend, McLaren announced they would support Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri to enhance his championship prospects. However, team orders were unnecessary after a disastrous qualifying session placed Norris in a disappointing 15th position.

Tensions escalated on the second-to-last lap when Sainz and Perez clashed while competing for the third place position behind Leclerc. Perez made contact with Sainz’s Ferrari as they approached Turn 3, causing both vehicles to crash into the inner barriers and prompting the deployment of the Virtual Safety Car.

Mercedes driver George Russell capitalized on the opportunity to secure a third-place finish, while Lando Norris executed a remarkable comeback, moving up into the points. Norris managed to pass his main title contender, Verstappen, with just three laps remaining, thereby cutting the Dutchman’s championship lead to 59 points.

Trailing a discontented Verstappen were Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, Alex Albon, and Franco Colapinto, who collectively achieved a double points finish for Williams.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who began the race from the pitlane, and his compatriot Oliver Bearman secured the last available points by finishing ninth and tenth for Mercedes and Haas respectively.

McLaren has extended their lead over Red Bull to 20 points in the constructors' championship.

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