The lion hasn’t lost his bite. Max Verstappen’s blistering charge through the Baku streets on Saturday sent a chilling message to Mercedes. Finishing within two-tenths of George Russell’s triumphant Silver Arrow, the four-time champion proved that his winless drought hasn’t dulled his predatory instincts, and with seven races still to navigate, this title fight is far from over.

Whilst Kimi Antonelli’s 66-point championship cushion might appear comfortable on paper, the young Italian’s armour showed cracks under the Azerbaijani sun. The pressure gauge is rising, and with Verstappen’s Red Bull finding serious pace, Mercedes’ march towards glory could yet hit turbulence.

Verstappen still Hungry for the kill

Eight places gained. Less than two-tenths shy of victory. The numbers tell only half the story of Verstappen’s Saturday masterclass in Baku. Having recently signed fresh terms to secure his Red Bull future, the Dutchman is driving a machine that’s shedding its early-season shackles with each passing weekend.

Yet the win drought gnaws. Not since Abu Dhabi’s season finale last year has Verstappen tasted champagne from the top step, a barren run that threatens to become his first winless campaign since joining Red Bull a decade ago.

“I was close and it was fun,” Verstappen reflected after his eighth-to-second charge. “For most of the race, we were on the wrong tyres because the medium, unfortunately, didn’t work like a lot of people expected. Once we swapped to the soft, you could see George and I were pulling away. Can we win a race? We’ll keep trying, and we’ll see what happens!”

The tyre gamble might not have paid dividends this time, but the underlying pace is undeniable. With McLaren’s form oscillating and Ferrari’s recent slide continuing, Red Bull have identified a golden opportunity. Verstappen’s team-mate Isack Hadjar underlined the RB’s potential by claiming third on his comeback from injury.

“The car is great,” Hadjar confirmed. “This weekend it was the second-fastest. I took it easy to avoid the walls and it was my comeback. I had the better grip, but honestly I was fine to sit behind Max. Third was my target and I’m satisfied.”

As the F1 circus prepares for the Asian swing, Red Bull’s power unit has evolved into one of the grid’s strongest. The mathematics are straightforward: seven races, two resurgent Bulls, and one vulnerable championship leader. Mercedes should be glancing nervously in their mirrors.

Briatore’s Colapinto conundrum

Flavio Briatore has seen plenty during his colourful F1 tenure, but Franco Colapinto’s Baku brain-fade will have tested even his legendary patience. The Argentine’s “rush of blood” lunge into team-mate Pierre Gasly triggered carnage, collecting world champion Lando Norris’s McLaren in the chaos and obliterating Alpine’s points potential.

Norris’s fury was palpable, the Briton calling for a one-race ban. Race stewards opted for leniency, a 10-second penalty converted to a five-place grid drop. Briatore, however, isn’t done deliberating.

“I feel very sorry for the team and for Pierre and my apologies also go to Lando and McLaren for ruining their race,” the Alpine supremo stated. “I know that Franco has taken full responsibility for it, as he should, he braked far too late considering the context of the race and the safety car restart. It was a very poor move for a driver of his experience.

“I want to take time to reflect and consider what action should be taken.”

Colapinto’s Alpine seat was already hanging by a thread after a fortunate reprieve this season. Briatore’s contemplative tone suggests the 2027 driver market just opened up another vacancy.

Russell cranks up the heat

George Russell didn’t just win in Baku, he dominated with ruthless precision. Pole position, fastest lap, and leading every single tour constituted his first grand slam, a statement performance that sliced into Antonelli’s championship advantage.

The 20-year-old Italian still commands that 66-point buffer, but Russell’s return to winning ways injects fresh intrigue into the title run-in. After eight career victories, the Brit has rediscovered his mojo when Mercedes need him most.

“I never lost faith in myself,” Russell declared. “Even in the tough moments. So I am confident and I’ve been on the front row of the grid in three of the last four races and had three podiums. I can fight for victory now, week in and week out.”

Russell isn’t just talking, he’s delivering. Antonelli’s cushion remains substantial, but championships aren’t won on paper.

As F1 heads east, the narrative has shifted. Mercedes’ coronation isn’t the foregone conclusion it appeared just weeks ago. Verstappen’s prowling, Russell’s peaking, and Antonelli’s learning that leading a championship brings pressures no simulator can replicate.

Seven races. Three contenders. One crown. Baku proved this season still has serious bite.