The inaugural F1 race in Azerbaijan occurred in 2016, branded as the European Grand Prix. During this event, Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas set a new top speed record for an F1 car at 378 km/h.
A spectacular track – cars zipping through an ancient city offer fans breathtaking views.
What sets the Azerbaijan Grand Prix apart is its track.
Measuring just over 6.003 km, the Baku City Circuit is the second-longest in F1. It’s also the fastest street circuit, with drivers comfortably reaching speeds of 360 km/h on the over 2 km-long straight along Neftchilar Avenue in Baku city.
Many of the 20 turns are tight, especially around Baku’s Old City, leaving little room for error. Thus, skill, discipline, teamwork, and a bit of luck are more crucial than outright car speed.
A stunning spectacle – showcasing Azerbaijan’s dynamic capital
Designed by Hermann Tilke, the premier track architect in F1, the Baku City Circuit is a showcase of Azerbaijan’s vibrant capital.
Winding through the city center, it highlights the beautiful contrasts between east and west, ancient and modern.
Spectators can enjoy views of the 12th-century Old City walls alongside elegant early 20th-century streets like Istiglaliyyat, lined with a diverse mix of architectural styles.
The long finishing straight runs parallel to the tree-lined Seaside Boulevard and passes notable landmarks including the enigmatic Maiden Tower and the Soviet-era Government House.
Previous winners of the Azerbaijan GP include:
2016 – Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
2017 – Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)
2018 – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2019 – Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)
2020 – Not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2021 – Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
2022 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2023 – Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
Track length: 6.003km
Race length: 306.049km
Laps: 51
Turns: 20
Circuit opened: 2016
F1 first visited: 2016
Races held: 7
Track Record: 1:40.495, Valtteri Bottas, 2019
Lap Record: 1:43.009, Charles Leclerc, 2019
Sergio Perez is the only repeat winner at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
In the first six races at Baku City Circuit, there were no repeat winners. Nico Rosberg won the inaugural race in 2016, followed by Daniel Ricciardo’s surprise victory in 2017, Lewis Hamilton in 2018, Valtteri Bottas in 2019, Sergio Perez in 2021, and Max Verstappen in 2022.
Perez made history as the track’s first double winner with his victory at the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Mexico leads in terms of wins at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Germany, Australia, Britain, Finland, and the Netherlands each have a single victory at the Baku City Circuit.
Nico Rosberg, the first winner at the track, is the only former Baku City Circuit winner who is no longer on the Formula 1 grid.
Rosberg also holds the distinction of being the only driver to achieve a Grand Slam in Azerbaijan, accomplishing this at the 2016 European Grand Prix.
Red Bull holds the most wins at Baku
Red Bull claimed the record for most victories in Azerbaijan in 2023, with Sergio Perez securing their fourth win. Previously, they were tied with Mercedes, which has three wins and is the only other team to have won at Baku City Circuit.
Twelve different drivers have made it to the podium at the Baku City Circuit. Of these, only Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg, and Kimi Raikkonen are not part of the 2024 grid.
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez set a new record for most podium finishes at Baku in 2022, achieving his fourth top-three finish and later extending it to five in 2023. Former Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel follows with three podium finishes, while future Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, and Max Verstappen each have multiple podium appearances at this circuit.
The other drivers who have reached the podium at Baku include Nico Rosberg, Daniel Ricciardo, Kimi Raikkonen, Lance Stroll, Pierre Gasly, George Russell, and Charles Leclerc.
Mexico leads the count of podium finishes at Baku City Circuit with five, just ahead of Germany’s four.
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