Verstappen back in the title fight, and McLaren mess up Baku weekend

It had been a disappointing year for Max Verstappen and Red Bull. However, back-to-back race wins for the Dutchman hve closed him up to the fight at the front.

This superb pace and improved form have now brought the four-time world champion back into the title conversation, a topic that Verstappen himself discussed after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, while Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko remained quiet when questioned about it.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella was quick to suggest that the 27-year-old is back in the fight for a fifth consecutive drivers title, while Lando Norris stated that people should stop being "so surprised" with the pace of Verstappen and Red Bull.

It was a weekend to forget for the British team in Baku, who had the chance to seal the constructors' championship on Sunday, but failed to do so.

Championship leader Oscar Piastri crashed out on the first lap, while a slow stop for Norris derailed his race and prevented him from improving on his original starting position, P7.

Team boss Stella pointed to a disappointing qualifying session on Saturday for the lack of points picked up on Sunday for Norris.