In the hectic world of Formula 1, where every turn can be a potential turning point and every mistake a disaster, the Azerbaijani Grand Prix caused a new wave of tension. Max Verstappen, the unstoppable Dutchman of Red Bull, dominated the streets of Baku and took a convincing victory that makes the door ajar for a sensational comeback in the title fight. But it is Lando Norris, the British talent of McLaren, who steals the headlines with its sharp frustration. “I heard everyone say that this was my chance,” Norris said afterwards, his voice loaded with anger. “But nobody tells me how the hell should I catch up in this chaos.” His outburst, aimed at the racing conditions and indirectly on the dominance of Verstappen, marks a rare moment of raw emotion with the otherwise controlled driver. This victory of Verstappen, the second in a row after Monza, gives the title race a large injection adrenaline, especially at the expense of the McLaren drivers who are already struggling internally.

Let’s rewind to that Sunday in Baku, a circuit that is known for its whimsical character: long straight pieces interspersed with tight turns and walls that mercilessly wait for the least misstep. Oscar Piastri, the Australian leader in the championship and Norris’ teammate at McLaren, started the race from a strong position. But it went wrong on the opening round. A bad start led to a lock-up in bend five, and with a blow Piastri rammed the wall. His McLaren was in pieces, and his lead in the stand – formerly 31 points on Norris – Kromp in one fell swoop to 25. It was a gift from heaven for Norris, who was started seventh after a disappointing qualification full of red flags and changing weather conditions. “This was the chance to get closer,” I heard whisper in the paddock, and Norris himself admitted that he felt the pressure. But instead of a stage finish or even a top five, he ended exactly where he started: seventh.

The race itself was a master class from Verstappen. From pole position he led from start to finish, without losing his lead for one moment. George Russell from Mercedes made it difficult for him with a solid second place, followed by a surprising Carlos Sainz in the Williams on stage position three. Verstappen’s Red Bull seemed perfectly adjusted to the Baku circuit, where aerodynamics and tire management are crucial. “We have the car back on track,” said team boss Christian Horner afterwards, referring to a dip earlier in the season. With this win, Verstappen climbed to 255 points, only 69 behind Piastri and 44 behind Norris. It is a gap to go with seven races – including the night race in Singapore and the chaos of Austin – suddenly seems manageable. Verstappen himself did not play down: “I don’t count on anything, but we don’t give up.” His calm self -confidence contrasts starkly with the anger at McLaren.

And then Norris. The 25-year-old Brit, who already showed several times this season that he is among the top with victories in Miami and Silverstone, could hardly control his frustration. In the press conference after the race, his face still red from the effort and disappointment, he burst loose. “I heard everyone say,” Now it’s your moment, Lando. Piastri is out, go for it. ” But how? Indeed, McLaren’s second slow stop in a row – after a similar incident in Italy – threw a spanner in the works. Norris was stuck behind a train of cars, with Yuki Tsunoda in the Alphatauri as the last obstacle. At the final round he tried a catch -up maneuver, but it was too late. “I did everything I could,” he sighed. “The car was not fast enough today, and catching up on this circuit is impossible without risk. But it feels like failure. Absolutely.”

This eruption is not just a moment of irritation; It touches deeper tensions within McLaren. Piastri and Norris are not only fighting for the title, but also for dominance within the team. Piastri’s Crash was his first big mistake this season, but Norris’s inability to capitalize strengthens the gossip about team dynamics. Team boss Andrea Stella spoke of “margins that get smaller” and warned about Verstappen’s return. “Red Bull was always a threat, and now they are back.” Norris’ criticism seems partly focused on the circumstances – the wind, the cooler temperatures that were troubling the tires – but insiders whisper that more is going on. Previous races, such as the Clash in Canada or Norris’ Spin in Australia, have already caused friction. “I want to win in my way,” Norris said earlier this season, referring to Verstappen’s notorious ‘F *** You’ mentality. Today that philosophy seemed just as far away; Frustration dominated.

The impact on the title race is huge. For Piastri, with 324 points, this is a wake-up call. His lead feels more vulnerable than ever, especially with Verstappen who dominates two races in a row. Norris, on 299 points, still has a chance, but he has to become more consistent. “Seven races left, and it is still 25 points behind Oscar,” he calculated. “But with Max who drives that way? That makes life difficult for the rest of the season.” Indeed, Verstappen’s victory has shifted the dynamics. Where McLaren was previously the team to beat, Red Bull is now lurking again like a shadow. Mercedes, with Russell’s strong performance, and even Williams with Sainz ‘stage, mix in the subtop. The championship, which looked like a battle between the McLaren drivers, is now a triple sprint with a wildcard.

What does this mean for the rest of 2025? Singapore is approaching, a circuit where McLaren is historically strong, but where Verstappen took a memorable win in 2022. Norris will have to channel his anger in Focus; His earlier outbursts, such as after the Hungarian GP, ​​led to comebacks. But the pressure is immense. Fans are already buzzing on social media: “Where was the fire, Lando?” versus “he did everything well, blame the car.” Verstappen, meanwhile, continues to play the underdog, but his performance shouts the opposite.

Nothing is certain in Formula 1, and this race in Baku reminds us of that. Norris’ sharp words – “I heard everyone say …” – echoing as a warning. The title race is more lively than ever, and with Verstappen’s boost an epic fight threatens. Whether Norris turns his frustration into fuel, or whether it swallows him up, will reveal in the coming weeks. One thing is certain: the streets of Singapore will burn.