The streets of Baku delivered chaos, drama, and a statement drive from Max Verstappen — but the real story is Carlos "Smooth Operator" Sainz, who finally secured a long-awaited podium for Williams. In this episode of The Critical Lap, we break down everything from the 2025 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, including Verstappen’s seeming return to his dominant 2023 form, George Russell fighting through illness, and Yuki Tsunoda (finally) showing flashes of top-tier pace.

It was a weekend of contradictions with the Iceman Oscar Piastri taking his first DNF of the season, Ferrari flailing despite promising practice sessions, and a relatively quiet race after a chaotic qualifying session with a record number of red flags. Plus: Quick Reactions on Verstappen’s light-up trophy, Christian Horner rumors, and Yuki’s Red Bull future.

📌 Timestamps:

• (0:00) Intro & Baku Overview
• (4:14) Is '23 Verstappen Back?
• (10:12) Newbies stepping up: Sainz, Tsunoda, Lawson, and...Hamilton?
• (14:38) Is McLaren letting the championship slip?
• (20:09) Ferrari’s struggles & Leclerc Left on Read
• (27:09) Chaotic Baku Qualifying
• (35:00) Quick Reaction: Best Trophy of the Year?
• (36:41) Quick Reaction: Horner + Newey at Aston Martin?
• (40:11) Quick Reaction: Tsunoda safe at Red Bull?
• (45:32) Wrap Up: Looking ahead to Singapore

If you enjoyed this Baku breakdown, don’t forget to subscribe and share with fellow F1 fans. Next stop: Singapore!