The Formula 1 has extended its contract with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix until 2030. After the current race weekend, at least five more editions will follow with the streets of Baku as the backdrop.
According to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, the extension shows that both parties have confidence in the future of the Grand Prix: “The Baku City Circuit offers fans a unique mix of history, speed, and excitement every year. We are pleased to continue the collaboration and look forward to the coming years.”
The deal is also proudly received in Azerbaijan. The organization emphasizes that the race not only contributes to the country’s sporting image but also generates tourism and international attention.
The Baku City Circuit is a staple on the F1 calendar. In 2016, the first edition was still run as the European Grand Prix, a year later the race made its debut as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Since then, the street circuit has been the setting for spectacle and unpredictable results.
Unique
The 6.003 kilometer-long Baku City Circuit combines different characters. It alternates tight, technical sections in the historic city center with one of the longest straight stretches in Formula 1. The narrow passage along the old city wall is only seven meters wide and is considered one of the narrowest turns on the entire calendar.
Popular with fans
According to the organization, Baku’s popularity among fans is evident from the visitor numbers. In 2024, spectators from more than seventy countries came to the Azerbaijani capital. More than 66 million viewers worldwide watched the race on television. The Grand Prix is therefore firmly in the sub-top of the most popular F1 events.
The race in Baku has now built up its own statistics: in the eight editions since the first contract in 2016, there have been seven different winners in Azerbaijan. Only Sergio Pérez managed to win twice. Other drivers who have been successful in Azerbaijan include Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and last year Oscar Piastri.
