The Azerbaijan Grand Prix extended until the 2026 Formula 1 season
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix of Formula 1 remains on the starting grid for the next three years, following the confirmation of a new three-year extension agreement. This urban race on the Baku City circuit has always been a highlight of the Formula 1 calendar, offering drivers a unique challenge and spectators unforgettable races.
The Baku City Circuit is a 6km track with 20 corners, designed by the renowned Formula 1 circuit architect, Hermann Tilke. Since its first race in 2016, no driver has managed to win twice on this circuit. Previous winners include Nico Rosberg, Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, and Max Verstappen.
This year, in 2023, Baku City will host the first of six F1 Sprint events of the season, as part of the new format that devotes the entire Saturday to this race. The new format includes a new qualifying format and a 100 km race that provides more action for the fans in each session.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, stated: “The Baku circuit has become a very popular venue for Formula 1. It is an incredible track that always offers a great show and has hosted some of the most exciting races in recent years. We are delighted to extend our relationship with the country of Azerbaijan and we look forward to continuing our growth together.”
Since the first race in 2016, the event has experienced steady growth in terms of popularity and economic impact, with tens of thousands of fans coming from abroad to attend the race each year.
Urban races are increasingly taking a privileged place in the Formula 1 calendar and also offer an opportunity to reach new markets and develop the growth of Formula 1 on a global scale.
Unstable geopolitical context
It is important to underline that the extension of the Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix comes in the context of a persistent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan for control over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, a mountainous area located inside Azerbaijan but with a majority Armenian population. This conflict, which started in the 1980s, culminated in a six-week war in 2020, resulting in thousands of deaths and numerous displacements.
The conflict also affected the organization of the Formula 1 event, with protests from the Armenian community against holding the race in Baku City, arguing that it would be tantamount to supporting the regime of Azerbaijan in the ongoing conflict.
However, it is important to note that Formula 1 is a non-political event that does not take sides in regional or international conflicts. The extension of the agreement is therefore based on the sporting and economic aspects of the race, without passing judgment on the ongoing conflict.
