RACE START: Verstappen holds the lead as Piastri crashes out on dramatic Azerbaijan Grand Prix first lap
Relive a drama-filled start to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that could have significant championship ramifications.
Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix got off to a dramatic start, with Max Verstappen holding the lead but Oscar Piastri tumbling down the order and crashing out.
While polesitter Verstappen entered Turn 1 just ahead of Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson, Piastri hit trouble off the line and dropped all the way to the back of the field.
The championship leader then locked up and slid helplessly into the outside wall at Turn 5, ending his race there and then – and potentially having huge ramifications on the 2025 title battle.
As the leading pack fed through the opening corners, Piastri’s team mate, Lando Norris, dropped a position to eighth, with no other major dramas to report.
Hit go on the videos above to watch all the action from the start of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Next Up
Related Articles
Every trophy won in the 2026 F1 season so far
What time is the 2026 Dutch GP and how can I watch it?
UnlockedHow do psychologists help Formula 1 drivers be at their best?
9 times superhero movies made it onto the F1 grid
How Red Bull’s 2026 season has played out so far
Are these some of the best Drive to Survive episodes?