Oscar Piastri wins Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku ahead of Ferrari star Charles Leclerc after driving masterclass; McLaren; Mercedes; Max Verstappen; F1 results; Lewis Hamilton

Leclerc, who later said he “lost the race” by not defending as well as he should have on lap 20, pushed Piastri to within just hundredths of a second for much of the remaining 31 laps before the Australian finally broke his spirit.

Time and time again he tried to use his DRS system to pull to within overtaking distance of Piastri and get the job done down the inside of turn one, and each and every time Piastri rebuffed him.

Piastri ultimately won under the virtual safety car after a horror late smash involving Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez (who were both uninjured), but there would be no doubting this result – his second win at the pinnacle of motor sport.

There were no team orders to correct positions this time, and there was no good luck needed.

This was a display of pure speed and an unflinching focus – one that has seen Piastri score more championship points than any other driver – including Norris, Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton – over the past seven races.

“He’s no longer the next big star – this star has well and truly arrived,” said former F1 racer Karun Chandhok on the Sky coverage.

“There can be no doubt in anybody’s mind that Oscar Piastri deserved that victory today.

“Perfect, perfect drive.”

Not bad for a number two driver in just his second Formula 1 season.

When Piastri crossed the line there’d be no quip about the hand McLaren dealt him just days prior, but rather a comment that could barely be believed.

“Probably the most stressful afternoon of my life,” he said to his team over the radio.

“Well done.”

If that was Piastri at his most stressed, just imagine what he can do when he’s relaxed.

News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.