The 2026 Formula 1 season entered its seventh round at the street circuit in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the points haul reshaped the championship picture. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) emerged from the race with a comfortable 27‑point lead over his teammate Sergio Pérez, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc narrowed the gap to the Red Bull pair, sitting third in the drivers’ table.
Drivers’ standings after Baku
- 1. Max Verstappen – 156 points
- 2. Sergio Pérez – 129 points
- 3. Charles Leclerc – 124 points
- 4. Carlos Sainz Jr. – 112 points
- 5. Lando Norris – 98 points
Verstappen’s win in Azerbaijan, his second of the season, added 25 points to his tally and cemented his position at the top of the leaderboard. Pérez, who finished fourth, collected eight points, while Leclerc’s second‑place finish earned him 18 points, keeping the title fight alive but still trailing by 32 points.
Constructors’ battle
Red Bull Racing continues to dominate the constructors’ championship with 285 points, a 45‑point cushion over Ferrari, which sits on 240 points after a strong showing from both Leclerc and Sainz. Mercedes, despite a modest points haul in Baku, remain third with 176 points, while McLaren’s consistent performances keep them in fourth place with 152 points.
The Baku race also saw notable performances from the midfield. Lando Norris secured a podium finish for McLaren, earning 15 points and moving his team up the constructors’ table. Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso each scored points, but their teams remain outside the top five.
What it means for Indian fans
For Indian viewers, the championship race remains wide open with three races left before the season finale in Abu Dhabi. The next round is the Singapore Grand Prix on 22 September, which will be broadcast live on FanCode with commentary in English and Hindi. The race starts at 19:00 IST, giving fans a prime‑time slot to watch the action. After Singapore, the calendar moves to Japan (29 September) and finally Abu Dhabi (13 October), both of which will also be streamed on FanCode.
Indian F1 enthusiasts should keep an eye on the evolving driver battle, especially the intra‑team rivalry at Red Bull and the resurgence of Ferrari. With the points gap still manageable, the final three races could produce a dramatic swing, making every qualifying session and race crucial for the championship outcome.
Source: Forbes
