BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – SEPTEMBER 21: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 21, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Max Verstappen delivered yet another clinical performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, cruising to a lights-to-flag victory that showcased his mastery of street circuits and his growing momentum in the 2025 season. Starting from pole, the Oracle Red Bull Racing driver was untouchable, managing tyre strategy, wind conditions, and pressure with ease to claim his second consecutive win after Monza.
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – SEPTEMBER 21: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 crosses the line to cheers from his team on the pit wall during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 21, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Sam Bagnall/Sutton Images)
“This weekend has been incredible for us,” Verstappen said. “Monza was already great, but to win here is fantastic. It’s never easy around Baku—very windy today, so the car was moving around a lot. I’m incredibly happy with this performance.”
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – SEPTEMBER 21: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on arrival in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 21, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Andy Hone/LAT Images)
Verstappen’s win marked his sixth career Grand Chelem—pole, fastest lap, and leading every lap—and extended Red Bull’s resurgence after a mid-season dip.
Rising Stars: Tsunoda, Lawson, and Hadjar Deliver
Behind Verstappen, the midfield battle was fierce and full of personal bests. Yuki Tsunoda scored his highest-ever finish for Oracle Red Bull Racing, crossing the line in P6 after a strong qualifying and a clean, consistent race.
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – SEPTEMBER 21: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan driving the (22) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 leads Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 and Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 21, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Joe Portlock/Getty Images)
“Scoring my best result with the team feels deserved,” Tsunoda said.
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – SEPTEMBER 21: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 21, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
“We’ve made changes to the car that really worked this weekend. I feel like I’ve unlocked something I can carry into future races.”
Just ahead of him was Liam Lawson, who claimed a career-best P5 for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, holding off faster cars in the final laps with a gritty defensive drive.
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – SEPTEMBER 21: Liam Lawson of New Zealand driving the (30) Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 02 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 21, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Andy Hone/LAT Images)
“The last ten to fifteen laps were intense,” Lawson said.
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – SEPTEMBER 21: Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls prepares to drive in the garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 21, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
“We didn’t have the outright pace, but we gave it everything. P5 is huge for us in the Championship.”
Isack Hadjar rounded out the top ten, overcoming pre-race hydraulic issues and tyre balance struggles to secure valuable points in P10.
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – SEPTEMBER 21: Isack Hadjar of France driving the (6) Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 02 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 21, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Andrew Ferraro/LAT Images)
“We had great pace on the Hard tyre, but struggled on the Mediums,” Hadjar admitted.
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – SEPTEMBER 21: (EDITORS NOTE: A special effects camera filter was used for this image.) Isack Hadjar of France and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls looks on in the garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 21, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
“Still, a double points finish for the team is a great result.”
Laurent Mekies, CEO of Oracle Red Bull Racing, praised Verstappen’s flawless execution and the team’s relentless development efforts.
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – SEPTEMBER 21: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 leads Carlos Sainz of Spain driving the (55) Williams FW47 Mercedes and Liam Lawson of New Zealand driving the (30) Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 02 at the race start during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 21, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
“Another Grand Chelem from Max. The win is down to everyone in Milton Keynes pushing hard. There’s no silver bullet, but the work is paying off. Yuki also had a very strong race, keeping McLaren and Ferrari behind him.”
Alan Permane, Team Principal of Racing Bulls, was equally thrilled with his drivers’ performances.
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – SEPTEMBER 21: Fifth placed Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls and Tenth placed Isack Hadjar of France and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls celebrate during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 21, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
“Liam put together 20 perfect laps to hold position. Isack had a tough start but recovered well. We’re back to P6 in the Championship and heading to Singapore with confidence.”
