This weekend, Formula 1 returns to the Land of Fire, Baku.
Formula One makes its way back to Baku for the seventeenth race of the season. The race in Azerbaijan has only one repeat winner, and that is no surprise, as it is a race always filled with drama. Sergio Perez first won the Grand Prix in Baku in 2021. In 2023, he was the victor once again, becoming Baku’s first-ever repeat winner.
As mentioned, the Azerbaijan GP never lacks in drama. Although a difficult track with only one long straight and many sharp and distinct corners, it is a track that always gives us something to talk about by the end of the weekend.
For one, the first edition of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was the perfect introduction to the street circuit. This was the 2017 Azerbaijan GP. The Baku race in 2017 might just be one of the best, if not the best, races we’ve ever had at Baku. F1 raced in Baku the year before but as the European Grand Prix. During the 2017 season, the Azerbaijan GP was rated among the top ten races of the then last ten seasons.
The entire Grand Prix was full of moments that were truly unforgettable. Let’s have a look at the most race-defining ones.
1. The Honey Badger
The mighty Daniel Ricciardo was the man to watch on that day. The Australian had started 10th in his Red Bull and dropped all the way down to 17th. He then charged through the field to score his fifth Grand Prix win, and the first for any driver in Baku. One of the moves that granted him this win was a triple overtake that also earned him the award for best overtake of the season. Following an early Safety Car period, the Honey Badger used the slipstream to perfection on Baku’s long straight where he overtook Felipe Massa, Nico Hülkenberg and Lance Stroll into Turn 1, moving from sixth to third in the process. Ricciardo took the lead soon after as both drivers in front of him pitted.
2. Title Rivals Clash
The two drivers that were in front of Ricciardo following his triple overtake, were the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel who provided their fair share of entertainment as well. The two had a controversial incident on Lap 19. Hamilton was hit from behind by Ferrari rival Vettel, who claimed that the Mercedes driver had brake-tested him. Vettel made it a point to show his infuriation by coming up alongside Hamilton and then driving into him. Following the incident, replays and telemetry showed that Hamilton had not applied the brakes, and Vettel was then awarded a 10-second Stop/Go Penalty for dangerous driving.
3. The Finn and the Young Canadian
Valtteri Bottas managed to secure a spot on the podium after having to take a new nose on Lap 2. He secured his podium with multiple moves to eventually make it to second, with his most nail-biting overtake being when he passed Lance Stroll just before the finish line on the final lap. Stroll, who was 18 at the time, was the youngest rookie to get on a podium. He was also the first for Williams since Canada in 2016. The Williams driver received high praise as he had dealt with the pressure of the final laps with high levels of maturity.
More thrill in the 2024 edition?
This year, Azerbaijan will host its sixth-ever Formula 1 race. With how the 2024 season has ramped up, there is excitement in the air. McLaren are the fastest team by far, so a Papaya win would come as no surprise. However, despite their struggles, Red Bull, Ferrari and even Mercedes are able of presenting a challenge to McLaren.
The 2024 F1 title fight is on. The streets of Baku are known for being home to nail-biting moments. Tensions are high this season, and there will be plenty to marvel at over the 51 laps across the Land of Fire.
