This year marks a significant milestone in Formula 1 history, as it celebrates a decade of racing at the Baku City Circuit in Azerbaijan. Known for its thrilling and unpredictable moments, the circuit has witnessed a plethora of dramatic incidents since its inaugural race in 2016. Ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix, we take a look back at ten of the most memorable moments from the past ten years.
2017 – ‘He brake tested me!’
The inaugural race in 2016 was relatively uneventful, but the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix was anything but. Following a Safety Car period, Sebastian Vettel collided with title rival Lewis Hamilton while preparing for a restart. Vettel accused Hamilton of brake testing him, leading to a contact that resulted in a stop-and-go penalty for Vettel, which ultimately thwarted his chances of victory. Hamilton, meanwhile, faced his own challenges, requiring an unscheduled pit stop due to a loose headrest.
2017 – Ricciardo’s full send
Daniel Ricciardo’s 2017 race began poorly after crashing in qualifying, starting him from 10th on the grid. However, he capitalized on the misfortunes of others and executed a stunning move at the race restart, overtaking Felipe Massa and Lance Stroll to secure a podium finish. Ricciardo’s strategic driving allowed him to take the lead and ultimately win the race.
2018 – Red Bull’s collision
The 2018 race saw teammates Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen collide while battling for position, eliminating both from the race. Their on-track squabbles had been intense, with multiple position swaps and near misses, but the inevitable contact ended their hopes for a strong finish.
2018 – Bottas’ late heartbreak
Valtteri Bottas was on track for victory in 2018, having taken the lead late in the race. However, disaster struck on Lap 49 when his right-rear tire failed, forcing him to retire just two laps from the finish. This incident marked a frustrating end to what had been a promising race for the Finnish driver.
2019 – ‘I am stupid’
Charles Leclerc was in contention for victory in 2019 but crashed into the wall while attempting to improve his qualifying time. His exasperated radio message, “I am stupid… I am stupid,” became a memorable quote from the weekend. Despite this setback, Leclerc has since secured multiple pole positions in Baku but is still seeking his first race win at the circuit.
2021 – Verstappen’s high-speed exit
Max Verstappen was leading the 2021 race when a tire failure sent him crashing into the wall along the pit straight. Fortunately, he emerged unscathed, but the incident marked a significant turning point in the race, allowing Lewis Hamilton to capitalize on the situation.
2021 – Hamilton’s costly lock-up
In the aftermath of Verstappen’s exit, Hamilton had a chance to secure valuable points but made a costly mistake at the restart. He locked up at Turn 1, forcing him to rejoin the race at the back of the field, a blunder that would prove detrimental to his championship aspirations.
2024 – Perez and Sainz clash
Sergio Perez has a storied history in Baku, with podium finishes and victories. However, in 2024, he collided with Carlos Sainz while battling for position, resulting in both drivers crashing out. This incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of racing in Baku.
2025 – Six red flags in Qualifying
The unique characteristics of the Baku circuit often lead to dramatic qualifying sessions. In 2025, the session was interrupted by six red flags, a record for the event. Notable incidents included drivers Alex Albon and Charles Leclerc crashing into the walls, marking a chaotic start to the race weekend.
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