Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2024 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Oscar Piastri claimed his second career victory with a composed drive at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, holding off Charles Leclerc in a tense finale on the challenging street circuit. The young Australian demonstrated maturity beyond his years, managing his tires and defending brilliantly to secure McLaren's continued strong form.

Starting second behind pole-sitter Leclerc, Piastri seized the lead early in the race and controlled proceedings from the front. The Ferrari driver kept him honest throughout, never allowing Piastri to build a comfortable gap around the narrow streets and high-speed sections of the Baku City Circuit. The pressure intensified in the closing laps as Leclerc closed to within striking distance, but Piastri's defensive masterclass kept the scarlet car at bay. George Russell completed the podium in third for Mercedes, while teammate Lando Norris set the fastest lap.

The victory further boosted McLaren's constructors' championship challenge and demonstrated Piastri's growing confidence and racecraft. At just his second season in Formula 1, he was proving to be the perfect complement to Norris, providing consistent points and occasional victories. The result also highlighted Ferrari's competitiveness, with Leclerc pushing Piastri all the way despite not having the fastest car.