McLaren high-flying: Piastri wins in Baku thriller

The Australian, who had just been demoted to number two behind his team rival Lando Norris, showed his class at the Grand Prix in Azerbaijan and crossed the finish line just ahead of Ferrari star Charles Leclerc. Because world championship contender Norris managed to catch up from 15th place on the grid to 4th place, McLaren overtook Max Verstappen's Red Bull racing team in the team rankings.

Verstappen once again struggled with his stubborn car and only finished fifth. His lead in the drivers' championship over Norris shrank to 59 points because the Briton also scored an extra point for the fastest lap. In the final laps, the race had to be neutralized because Verstappen's teammate Sergio Pérez and Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz collided in the fight for a podium place. George Russell finished third in the Mercedes.

Oscar Piastri is in top form. © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

"That was the most stressful day of my life," winner Piastri radioed to his pit. It was his second career win after the victory in Hungary in July. McLaren now leads the constructors' championship by 20 points ahead of Red Bull.

McLaren team order before the race Before the 17th race of the season on the Caspian Sea, McLaren had, after a long period of hesitation, granted Norris number 1 status. In the battle for the drivers' title, the Briton was to be given preference over Piastri, and the young Australian star promised to help. But Norris promptly botched the qualification in Baku.

Lando Norris moved up from 15th to 4th place. © ANSA / YURI KOCHETKOV

Leclerc started the race in Azerbaijan from pole position for the fourth time in a row. Not a good omen: the 26-year-old had failed to win in the three previous attempts. But buoyed by his recent victory at Ferrari's home race in Monza, Leclerc confidently held on to first place in the first few corners and initially stayed comfortably in front once the field had sorted itself out.

Close duel at the top Norris's recovery initially went according to plan. He quickly moved up into the top ten and was even fifth before his first tire change. Things went even better for his teammate Piastri. He attacked Leclerc with fresh rubber rollers and squeezed past the Ferrari driver to the top on lap 20.

Piastri, Leclerc and Pérez were now racing closely behind one another. Behind them, Norris and Verstappen were dueling, complaining about brake problems and the poor balance of his company car. Despite new tyres, the Dutchman simply couldn't get past his title rival, who delayed his first pit stop for a long time. When Norris then changed to fresh tyres, he crowned his strong racing performance. Around 15 seconds behind Verstappen, Norris caught up and overtook him again shortly before the end.

Meanwhile, Piastri and Leclerc were engaged in a thrilling duel for several laps. Using the DRS overtaking aid, the Ferrari driver came very close to the young Australian several times on the home straight, but Piastri defended himself skillfully again and again. Shortly before the end, Leclerc had to admit defeat.

The result in Baku.

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McLaren high-flying: Piastri wins in Baku thriller

Youngster Oscar Piastri lets McLaren dream of their first Formula 1 team title since 1998 with his thrilling victory in Baku.

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