Max Verstappen won in Baku, closing the gap in the F1 title race after Red Bull’s upgrades.

Max Verstappen has reemerged as a top title contender in the 2025 Formula 1 season, securing pole position and victory in Baku after Red Bull's performance improvements following upgrades in Monza. Despite McLaren’s strong start, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris initially leading the charge, Verstappen’s resurgence has narrowed the championship gap, with Red Bull showing consistent pace and reliability. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged Verstappen as a “very serious contender,” citing Red Bull’s new floor and engineering adjustments as key factors, while noting the team is monitoring driver strategy as pressure mounts. With eight races left and the title fight still wide open, McLaren remains cautious, emphasizing consistency and reliability in the final stretch.