On Sunday, Max Verstappen claimed victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This marked his second consecutive win and the sixth Grand Slam of his career. His current form underscores the Dutchman’s competitiveness, seemingly enough to give McLaren a run for their money. The international media are also impressed by his triumph in Baku, emphasizing that the race for the driver’s title is taking an interesting turn.
“A dominant victory for Max Verstappen,” headlines Azertac, Azerbaijan’s national news platform. “He secured a convincing win, while Lando Norris narrowed the gap with title rival Oscar Piastri to 25 points; the championship leader crashed in the opening round. As a result, Verstappen didn’t have to exert himself on the streets of Baku. He led all 51 laps and won with a lead of more than 14 seconds over George Russell of Mercedes and Carlos Sainz, who claimed his first podium finish for Williams after narrowly missing out on pole position.”
‘Simply Perfect, Simply Max’
L’Équipe also emphasizes that Verstappen faced little opposition. “Verstappen, who hadn’t won two Grands Prix in a row since last year, confirms Red Bull’s return to the forefront,” opines the French editor on duty. “The composition of the starting grid, with a Williams and a Racing Bulls behind him, made it easy for him this Sunday. The four-time world champion didn’t have to exert himself much, except at the restart – which he managed perfectly.”
A Nightmare for Ferrari
“A nightmare for Ferrari,” headlines La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Italians naturally focus on the race of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, who were unable to compete in Azerbaijan. “What a struggle,” is the verdict. “At the start, the two Ferrari drivers tried everything, they climbed in the rankings, but then hit the car’s limits. Leclerc even got stuck behind Liam Lawson‘s Racing Bulls.” The pink sports newspaper is much more positive about Max Verstappen. “Simply perfect, simply Max,” says La Gazzetta. “A masterful start and a dominant driving style leading to his fourth victory of the season. Are we sure he only plays a minor role in the title fight?”
Typical Carlos Sainz
In Spain, they naturally enjoy the podium finish of Carlos Sainz, who had a top weekend after a fluctuating debut season at Williams. “Typical Carlos Sainz,” says the Spanish AS. “It’s a year full of setbacks, full of poor results, and then there’s the inevitable mourning period after his departure from Ferrari. As if that wasn’t enough, Alexander Albon managed to get the most out of the limited Williams in the meantime. But the Spaniard never lost his focus and found solace in the only thing that did work: his speed in the car. He was fast in the FW47 from day one, but his efforts were never rewarded – until now. During the Azerbaijan GP, he made up for everything.”
And Verstappen? “He takes his second consecutive victory, thereby confirming the return of the old, dominant Red Bull,” they judge in Spain. “Because no one ever doubted the Dutchman himself. He is now 69 points behind Piastri and 44 behind Norris. What if…?”
