Azerbaijan is preparing to host its 10th Formula 1 Grand Prix. Since the inaugural race in 2016, held as the European Grand Prix, the Baku round has delivered unexpected victories, thrilling battles, records and memorable moments that have left their mark on Formula 1 history. Ahead of the anniversary race, let us look back at the highlights from the previous nine races at the Baku City Circuit.
Baku City Circuit is one of Formula 1’s most challenging and exciting street circuits
It is the distinctive characteristics of the Baku City Circuit that make the Azerbaijan Grand Prix one of the most exciting rounds of the season. Running through the central streets of the capital, the circuit combines long, high-speed straights with technically demanding corners.
One of the circuit’s most striking sections is the narrow stretch running alongside the walls of Baku’s Old City. At its narrowest point, around Turns 8 and 9, the track is just 7.6 meters wide, demanding maximum precision from the drivers. At the other end of the spectrum, the long start-finish straight provides opportunities for high speeds and overtaking.
It is this combination of characteristics that makes races in Baku particularly unpredictable.
2016: The first page of Formula 1 history in Baku
The inaugural race in Baku, held under the European Grand Prix name, was won by Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg. The German went on to claim the first World Championship title of his career at the end of that season. Shortly after becoming champion, Rosberg announced his retirement from professional racing.
2017: Chaos and a spectacular comeback in Baku
The 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix was marked by dramatic events. An incident between Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, several Safety Car periods and a red-flag suspension made the Baku race one of the most talked-about events of the season.
Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo, who started the race from 10th on the grid, eventually took victory. Valtteri Bottas finished second, while Williams driver Lance Stroll took third place.
2018: A last-minute twist changes the winner
One of the major talking points of the race was the collision between Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo. The incident forced both drivers to retire.
The biggest drama, however, came just a few laps before the finish. Race leader Valtteri Bottas was forced to retire after suffering a tire failure. Lewis Hamilton inherited the lead and went on to win the race.
2019: Mercedes triumphs as Leclerc makes a costly mistake
Mercedes secured a one-two finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Valtteri Bottas taking victory and Lewis Hamilton finishing second.
Qualifying, meanwhile, was remembered for Charles Leclerc’s crash. The Ferrari driver lost control at Turn 8 near the Old City and hit the barrier.
2021: Both leading favourites fall out of contention
The 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix produced one of the most dramatic finishes in the history of the Baku round. With five laps remaining, race leader Max Verstappen suffered a tire failure and was forced to retire.
Following the restart after a red flag, Lewis Hamilton had an opportunity to take the lead. However, the British driver accidentally activated the “Brake Magic” brake-balance function at the restart. With the brake balance shifted towards the front wheels, Hamilton ran off the track at Turn 1.
With Verstappen out of the race and Hamilton making a costly error, Red Bull driver Sergio Perez claimed victory.
2022: A historic one-two for Red Bull
After Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were forced to retire with technical problems, Max Verstappen went on to take victory. It was the Dutch driver’s first win at the Baku City Circuit.
Sergio Perez finished second, securing Red Bull’s first one-two finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
2023: Sergio Perez - the “King of Baku”
The 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix was held under a new weekend format that also featured a Sprint race. Sergio Perez won both the Sprint and the main Grand Prix.
Following his second victory in Baku, Perez earned the unofficial nickname “King of Baku” among Formula 1 fans.
2024: Piastri and Leclerc go head-to-head
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Australian took the lead after overtaking Charles Leclerc and managed to hold first place all the way to the chequered flag.
The closing laps were marked by another dramatic incident. Shortly before the finish, Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz collided while battling for third place, forcing both drivers to retire.
2025: Six red flags and an unexpected podium
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Dutchman maintained the lead throughout the race and crossed the finish line in first place. George Russell finished second, while Carlos Sainz took third, securing his first podium with Williams in Baku.
One of the most notable moments of the race weekend came in qualifying, which was interrupted by six red flags. The figure set a new Formula 1 record.
2026: A new chapter in history
Now it is time for the 10th Grand Prix. From 24–26 September, the Baku City Circuit will once again welcome the world’s fastest drivers, and a new winner will be crowned in the history of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
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