The 2024 F1 season continues to amaze with its intense on-track action, and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku was no exception. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri claimed a stunning victory after an action-packed race filled with drama, strategic brilliance, and a spectacular late-race crash involving Carlos Sainz and Sergio Pérez. Piastri’s win marked his second Formula 1 career triumph, cementing his growing reputation as one of the most exciting drivers on the grid.
Oscar Piastri’s Masterclass Drive
At the start of the race, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc seemed poised to dominate, leading comfortably after starting from pole position. Leclerc built an early lead of six seconds over Piastri during the initial laps, looking set for a routine victory. However, Formula One races can be unpredictable, and strategy is key. Piastri made his move after the first round of pit stops.
Piastri’s crucial moment came after he pitted on lap 16 and managed to hold off a challenge from Sergio Pérez as he re-entered the track. Leclerc pitted a lap later, but his hard tyres took time to warm up, giving Piastri the chance to make a brilliant overtake at Turn One on lap 20. Once in the lead, Piastri defended his position aggressively, never allowing Leclerc to get close enough to attempt a move. His flawless race craft helped him hold on to first place and secure his second Formula One win
Sainz and Pérez’s Late-Race Collision
As the race progressed, another battle unfolded further down the grid between Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. Both drivers were fighting for the final podium position, but the contest ended in disaster. In the penultimate lap, Sainz attempted an overtake on Pérez, who was defending fiercely. Unfortunately, the two collided, sending both into the barriers and out of the race. The crash resulted in a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) being deployed, effectively ending the race under neutralized conditions
The crash was a major blow for both Ferrari and Red Bull. Pérez had been chasing Leclerc for second place, and Sainz looked set to secure valuable points for Ferrari. Instead, their collision handed the podium to Mercedes’ George Russell, leaving both drivers to reflect on a missed opportunity
Lando Norris’s Impressive Comeback
While Oscar Piastri claimed the spotlight, his McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, also delivered a remarkable performance. After a challenging qualifying session that saw him start 15th on the grid, Norris executed a strategic masterstroke by starting on hard tyres. His long first stint kept him out of the traffic, and after his pit stop, Norris found himself in a battle with Max Verstappen.
Using the DRS to his advantage, Norris managed to hold off Verstappen’s advances. In a thrilling finish, Norris overtook the reigning world champion with just a few laps remaining, securing a brilliant fourth-place finish. It was a spectacular recovery drive and a testament to McLaren’s overall strength during the race
Leclerc and Ferrari’s Struggles
For Ferrari, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was another race that exposed their inconsistency. While Leclerc started strong, his inability to maintain tyre performance over the race distance allowed Piastri to take the lead. Despite staying close to the McLaren in the middle stages of the race, Leclerc couldn’t find the pace to overtake, ultimately settling for second place.
Leclerc’s frustrations were compounded by the fact that Ferrari’s other driver, Carlos Sainz, was taken out in the late crash with Pérez. For Ferrari, the race in Baku highlighted their ongoing battle to balance speed and strategy in a highly competitive Formula One season
What the Azerbaijan GP Means for the Championship
Oscar Piastri’s victory has significant implications for the Formula 1 championship. McLaren’s recent surge in performance, with both Piastri and Norris delivering strong results, has positioned them as serious contenders in the constructors’ standings. Piastri’s victory also adds another layer of intrigue to the drivers’ championship, with the young Australian rising rapidly through the ranks.
Meanwhile, the collision between Pérez and Sainz could have major repercussions for Red Bull and Ferrari. Both teams lost out on crucial points, allowing their rivals to gain ground in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. As the Formula 1 season progresses, these small margins could make all the difference in the title race
FAQs
1. Who won the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix?
Oscar Piastri won the race, securing his second Formula 1 victory after a stunning performance in Baku.
2. What happened between Carlos Sainz and Sergio Pérez?
Sainz and Pérez were battling for third place when they collided in the final laps, sending both into the barriers and out of the race.
3. How did Lando Norris perform in the Azerbaijan GP?
Lando Norris started 15th on the grid and made a brilliant recovery, finishing fourth after overtaking Max Verstappen in the final laps.
4. What were Ferrari’s challenges during the race?
Charles Leclerc struggled with tyre degradation, which allowed Piastri to overtake him, while Carlos Sainz’s race ended in a collision with Pérez.
