Azerbaijan is preparing to host its 10th Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Idman.Biz reports that since making its debut with the European Grand Prix in 2016, the Baku race has produced unexpected victories, thrilling battles, records and memorable moments that have left their mark on Formula 1 history.
Ahead of the anniversary race, we look back at the most notable moments from the previous nine Formula 1 races held on the streets of Baku.
Baku City Circuit – one of Formula 1's most challenging street tracks
The unique characteristics of the Baku City Circuit have made the Azerbaijan Grand Prix one of the most intriguing events on the Formula 1 calendar. Running through the heart of the capital, the circuit combines extremely fast straights with technically demanding corners.
One of its most distinctive sections is the narrow stretch alongside the historic walls of Icherisheher. At its narrowest point, around Turns 8 and 9, the track is only 7.6 metres wide, demanding maximum precision from the drivers.
At the same time, the long start-finish straight provides opportunities for high speeds and overtaking.
This combination has helped make races in Baku particularly unpredictable.
2016: The first chapter of Formula 1 history in Baku
The inaugural Formula 1 race in Baku, held under the name of the European Grand Prix, was won by Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg.
The German went on to claim his first Formula 1 World Championship later that season. Shortly after becoming world champion, Rosberg announced his retirement from professional racing.
2017: Chaos and a remarkable comeback in Baku
The 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix became one of the most dramatic races of the season.
An incident involving Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, several safety-car periods and a red flag turned the race into one of the year's biggest talking points.
Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo, who started from 10th on the grid, eventually claimed victory. Valtteri Bottas finished second, while Williams driver Lance Stroll completed the podium in third place.
2018: Late drama changes the winner
The collision between Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo was one of the defining moments of the 2018 race. Both drivers were forced to retire as a result.
The biggest drama, however, came just a few laps before the finish. Race leader Valtteri Bottas suffered a tyre failure and was forced out.
Lewis Hamilton inherited the lead and went on to win the race.
2019: Mercedes dominate as Leclerc makes costly mistake
Mercedes secured a one-two finish at the 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Valtteri Bottas taking victory ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
Qualifying was remembered for Charles Leclerc's crash. The Ferrari driver lost control at Turn 8 near Icherisheher and hit the barrier.
2021: Both main favourites miss out
The 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix produced one of the most dramatic finishes in the history of the Baku race.
With five laps remaining, race leader Max Verstappen suffered a tyre failure and was forced to retire.
After the race was restarted following a red flag, Lewis Hamilton had an opportunity to take the lead. However, the British driver accidentally activated the "Brake Magic" function at the restart, shifting the brake balance towards the front wheels and causing him to run off at the first corner.
With Verstappen out and Hamilton dropping down the order, Red Bull's Sergio Perez took victory.
2022: Historic one-two for Red Bull
Max Verstappen won the 2022 Azerbaijan Grand Prix after Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz retired with technical problems.
It was Verstappen's first victory at the Baku City Circuit.
Sergio Perez finished second, giving Red Bull their first one-two finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
2023: Sergio Perez becomes the "King of Baku"
The 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix featured the new Formula 1 weekend format that also included a sprint race.
Sergio Perez won both the sprint and the main Grand Prix.
Following his second Grand Prix victory in Baku, Perez became unofficially known among Formula 1 fans as the "King of Baku".
2024: Piastri and Leclerc battle for victory
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri won the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The Australian overtook Charles Leclerc to take the lead and managed to keep the Ferrari driver behind him until the finish.
The closing laps also produced major drama. Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz collided while battling for third place, forcing both drivers to retire.
2025: Six red flags and a surprise podium
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix after leading throughout the race.
George Russell finished second, while Carlos Sainz took third place and secured his first podium with Williams in Baku.
One of the most remarkable moments of the weekend came in qualifying, which was interrupted by six red flags. It set a new Formula 1 record.
2026: A new chapter in Baku's history
Now the stage is set for Baku's 10th Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The Baku City Circuit will once again welcome the world's fastest drivers on September 24–26, when another chapter will be written in the history of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
