McLaren take over the lead from Red Bull in the teams’ standings

Oscar Piastri’s victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix helped McLaren take over the lead in the Constructors’ Championship, with Red Bull dropping down to second for the first time this year.

Oscar Piastri took his second career victory to pick up 25 points on Sunday. Following his difficulties in qualifying, his team-mate Lando Norris started from a lowly P15 on the grid, but a good opening stint and the late drama for Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz meant that the Briton brought home 13.

The results saw McLaren take over the lead in the Constructors’ championship, marking the first time the Woking-based team has done so since the opening round of the 2014 season in Australia.

Commenting on the change in the teams’ standings, McLaren team boss Andrea Stella urged his team to stay focussed despite the current impressive run of success.

“Today’s result also promotes us to first in the Constructors’ Championship, an important milestone in our journey. However, the team remain clearly focused on the task ahead, and we use this positive moment to redouble our efforts for the coming races.

“The progress we’ve made since the start of 2023, when we were at the back of the grid, is down to the hard work and dedication from our entire team, as well as the support from our shareholders and partners.

“We quickly turn our attention to Singapore, where the team will be focused on executing another successful race weekend,” concluded the Italian.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner rued the last-lap collision between Perez and Sainz as it robbed lots of valuable points from his outfit, and in turn provided Norris with additional points. However, the Briton has vowed that Red Bull will fight back.

“For the Constructors, it was obviously a big swing in the last three laps and we have lost out on some significant points in the Championship, however, we will brush ourselves down and fight back hard.”