Oscar Piastri got sweet revenge for McLaren by frustrating Charles Leclerc in a thrilling race-long battle to take a hard-earned 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix victory, absorbing lap after lap of attacks from the Ferrari driver.
Behind, Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz collided fighting for the last podium spot on the penultimate lap as an exhilarating Formula 1 season served up yet another classic on the Baku City Circuit and ended under virtual safety car.
And Lando Norris avoided a potential catastrophe in the drivers’ championship, fighting his way from 15th on the grid to finish fourth. Norris even overtook Max Verstappen with three laps remaining and took the fastest lap, meaning he’s 59 points behind the reigning champion with seven races to go.
Piastri had seemed set for a comfortable second career win a fortnight ago in Monza before Leclerc stunned McLaren by making his one-stop strategy work and securing a famous win in front of the Tifosi, but the Australian hit back in style in Baku.
Leclerc spent most of his afternoon staring at the rear wing of the MCL38 as Piastri fought off attack after attack at turn one, while McLaren have also taken the lead of the constructors’ championship at the Azerbaijan GP – the first time Red Bull haven’t been on top since Spain 2022.
Russell inherited third after Sainz and Perez collided at high speed, while Franco Colapinto and Oliver Bearman both scored points.
More from the Singapore GP
Catch up with Total Motorsport's latest Singapore GP coverage, including Max Verstappen's victory at Marina Bay, Ferrari's costly strategy gamble, the full race classification, and the updated 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championship standings.
