5 Ways to Relive the Most Memorable Azerbaijan Grand Prix Races

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a race that first graced the Formula 1 calendar in 2016 as the European Grand Prix before being rebranded, has evolved into a fan favourite. Its reputation is built on the high-speed street circuit, narrow turns, on-track battles, dramatic incidents, and podium finishes that defy expectations. Here, we revisit five of the most unforgettable Azerbaijan Grand Prix races, each a testament to the race’s unpredictability. And with the 2024 stage on the horizon, the excitement is palpable- this is an event not to be missed!

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1. 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Chaos and Drama

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – JUNE 25: Race winner Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Red Bull Racing celebrates his win on the podium during the Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix at Baku City Circuit on June 25, 2017 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Voted the best race of 2017, according to several publications, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that year set records, with Pirelli reporting the highest number of overtakes in a single race, totalling 42. This chaotic event is remembered for the collision between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel during a safety car period, where Vettel bumped into Hamilton. Multiple crashes, safety cars, and a red flag added to the unpredictability. Daniel Ricciardo, who started 10th on the grid, claimed victory, while rookie Lance Stroll achieved his first podium finish in 3rd place, highlighting the chaotic nature of the Baku City Circuit.

2. 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Red Bull’s Battle

2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Sunday – Steve Etherington

The 2018 edition saw Mercedes clinch its first victory of the season, though the race is best remembered for the dramatic collision between Red Bull teammates Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen. Battling fiercely for position throughout the race, their clash just 11 laps before the finish marked one of the most intense moments of the season. Valtteri Bottas was set to win but suffered a puncture in the final laps, handing victory to a relatively quiet Lewis Hamilton.

3. 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Near Misses and Strategy

2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Sunday – Wolfgang Wilhelm

Though less chaotic than previous years, the 2019 race in Baku featured strategic battles and mistakes, most notably with Charles Leclerc, who crashed in qualifying but had a strong race, finishing fifth. The race was also marked by an incident involving George Russell’s Williams car, which hit a loose utility hole cover on the track. The subsequent chaos even saw a tow truck damage a pedestrian bridge, adding to the weekend’s drama.

4. 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: The Wild Finish

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – JUNE 06: Race winner Sergio Perez of Mexico and Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 06, 2021 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

The 2021 race concluded with a dramatic and unexpected finish. Max Verstappen was in control of the race until his tyre failed just five laps before the finish, forcing him to retire. This opened the door for his Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, to take the win. In an uncharacteristic error, Lewis Hamilton hit the “brake magic” button during a restart, causing him to go off at Turn 1 and finish out of the points.

5. 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Perez’s Street Mastery

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – APRIL 30: Race winner Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing, Third placed Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari, Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Paul Everington, Head of Electronics at Red Bull Racing celebrate on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on April 30, 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Sergio Perez confirmed his reputation as the king of street circuits by winning the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Max Verstappen finished second, while Charles Leclerc took third, securing Ferrari’s first podium of the season. In the closing stages, Perez and Verstappen exchanged the fastest laps, but the extra point went to George Russell, who pitted for fresh soft tyres late in the race. At the finish, Perez edged out Verstappen by two seconds, with Leclerc 20 seconds behind in third. Fernando Alonso had an impressive race but finished in fourth place, breaking his streak of consecutive podiums.

Can Alonso and Aston Martin break through again here this year?

Portrait, Baku City Circuit, GP2417a, F1, GP, Azerbaijan, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 Team

That’s what Fernando Alonso stated at a press conference on Thursday:

“Let’s see. I think every race seems a little bit different. At the midfield, everything is so tight that one or two-tenths can make a huge difference, and hopefully, Baku is one of those positive weekends for us. Last year, it was a Sprint event, so we only had FP1, which was a little bit difficult for everybody. Hopefully, with free practices, we can fine-tune the car. Let’s see.”

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