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Motorsport

Azerbaijan Grand Prix nets F1 contract extension until 2030

F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Baku

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until 2030 after the series signed a four-year contract extension with the Baku organisers.

The race, which is generously backed by Baku's longstanding regime, was set to host the final race of its current contract next year, but will now remain a mainstay on the F1 calendar.

F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali said: "There’s an incredible energy to the city of Baku and since our first Grand Prix here in 2016 Formula 1 has consistently received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the people of Azerbaijan. The circuit is unique, with technical sections and long straights that run through the stunning shoreline and historic old town, delivering an eventful and entertaining race every year.

"This renewal reflects the strong trust and commitment between Formula 1, the Azerbaijani Government, and the promoter, and paves the way for an exciting future in the country. I would like to thank President Ilham Aliyev and Minister Gayibov for their continued investment and commitment to evolving the event; Anar Alakbarov and the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation for championing Formula 1 in the country; and the team at Baku City Circuit for their year-round efforts in delivering an exceptional experience for our fans, drivers, and teams.”

George Russell, Mercedes (Photo by: Mark Sutton / Formula 1 via Getty Images)

The Baku street circuit race celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, initially joining the F1 calendar as the European Grand Prix in 2016. Subsequently it ran as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ever since - only missing out in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The race takes place on a six-kilometre street circuit dominated by long straights and 90-degree corners, with a narrow castle section snaking around Baku's UNESCO-listed old city before turning back for a flat out blast along the Caspian seafront.

Underlining its status as an anomaly on the F1 calendar, former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is the only repeat winner since the circuit joined the calendar in 2016, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has yet to win the race despite snaring four consecutive pole positions.

Keeping Baku on the F1 calendar could be good news for organisers hoping to revive Istanbul Park's Turkish Grand Prix, as it opens logistical possibilities for what is currently an awkward standalone weekend bridging the European season and the following round in Singapore.