The Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend brought ecstasy for Red Bull and agony for Ferrari, as Max Verstappen built on his lead at the top of the F1 standings. The Dutchman now counts a 34-point advantage after the Scuderia suffered a painful double DNF. Meanwhile, Mercedes ended the day best of the rest, with George Russell in P3 and Lewis Hamilton in P4. Here's how the international media reacted to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Italy fears Ferrari dreams are "going up in smoke"
"The championship is going up in smoke," headlined Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport on Monday morning, adding a pressing question: " Ferrari, why are you so fragile?" Demanding better from the Scuderia, the paper wrote: "This means the end of all dreams, the championship has gone up in smoke now that Charles Leclerc is already behind by 34 points after eight races. "Of course, everything is still possible, but just when things seemed to be going in the right direction for Ferrari, these reliability problems are rearing their heads. How is that possible?" The word "nightmare" was also used by fellow Italian publication La Repubblica as they put any hopes of a Ferrari title on hold. They reflected: "It was all in all a black day for Ferrari. Red Bull seem to deal a hard blow with the 1-2, a blow that leaves a big dent in the morality of the Tifosi."
Netherlands celebrate "number one" Verstappen
Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, Dutch daily newspaper De Telegraaf celebrated Max Verstappen's victory in Baku by describing his drive as "beautiful". The paper argued that Verstappen, "for those who needed confirmation", has now proven that he is Red Bull's number one driver, despite promises from team boss Christian Horner that both of his racers will receive equal treatment. Leclerc's retirement in Azerbaijan "only added to the celebration", continued De Telegraaf, as Verstappen's lead over the Ferrari driver climbed to 34 points.
UK outlet "sad" to see Ferrari "denying" Leclerc title fight
UK outlet The Sun penned that Ferrari's reliability problems and mistakes are "denying" the young Monegasque the chance to battle for the World Championship. They also moved to praise Verstappen for a faultless weekend in Baku. The publication wrote: "At Ferrari, it is the Italian team's implosion – coming after such a strong start to the campaign where they have produced the quickest car on the grid – that is the talking point. "The saddest thing of course, is that they are denying Charles Leclerc his chance of fighting Verstappen for the title. And with it the prospect of some thrilling racing."
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