Azerbaijan Gp – 5 best moments you might not remember

The Azerbaijan GP in Baku F1 is approaching, and despite its short history in F1, this track has delivered moments of extreme adrenaline and incredible twists. The first edition of this Grand Prix took place in 2017, initially under the name of the European GP. Since that first year, let’s revisit 5 key moments that have defined some of its editions.

Ricciardo-Verstappen contact (2018 Azerbaijan Gp)

It happened in 2018 when Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen were both driving for Red Bull, with the Australian making a miscalculation that resulted in a double zero finish for the Austrian team. The contact occurred at the end of the starting straight, where speeds reach up to 360 km/h with DRS open. On lap 40, Ricciardo, with DRS activated, tried to overtake Verstappen first on the inside, then on the outside, but the Dutch driver blocked him. According to the race stewards, it was a case of shared blame, with Max returning to the pits furious to discuss the incident with the team.

Max Verstappen’s Tire Blowout as Leader (2021)

Max Verstappen was in full control of the race when, with just 4 laps to go, he suffered a left rear tire blowout at the end of the starting straight and crashed into the adjacent wall. The driver emerged completely unscathed, even though the speed at that moment was around 350 km/h. After the race, heavy accusations were made against Pirelli for the incident, with the Dutchman blaming the Italian supplier for claiming the cause was debris. The GP was won by Sergio Perez, Red Bull’s second driver, while Hamilton finished 16th due to a mistake during the restart after the red flag.

An iconic photo remains of Verstappen kicking his damaged car after getting out.

Lance Stroll’s Podium with Williams in Azerbaijan Gran Prix (2017)

Lance Stroll secured his first-ever Formula 1 podium finish at the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, a chaotic race that saw him finish third behind winner Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas. This impressive result made him the youngest driver to ever achieve a podium in Formula 1 at the time. Since then, the Canadian has reached the podium only two more times, both in 2020: Monza and Sakhir.

Vettel-Hamilton clash behind the Safety Car (2017)

Is this one of the most debated and perhaps forgotten incidents in F1 history? Well, we haven’t forgotten when the German, running second behind Hamilton just before the restart from the safety car, pulled alongside with his Ferrari and sharply hit him. It was an unconscious move that caused no damage to either car but was seen as somewhat unsporting. Vettel accused Lewis of maintaining too slow a speed, almost as if brake-testing him. Years later, Vettel has shown himself to be one of the kindest and most sensitive figures in the whole paddock. A moment of madness can happen to anyone in Baku F1 circuit

Sainz-Perez Azerbaijan Gp Last Lap Collision (2024)

On lap 50, driven by the desire to claim third place, Sainz attacked Red Bull driver Sergio Perez. The incident happened on the straight parallel to the starting straight. The Spaniard’s left rear wheel got hooked with Perez’s right front wheel while they were side by side, creating a pivot effect that sent both crashing into the wall, causing both to retire. It was a perfect opportunity for George Russell, who managed to secure a podium finish behind Piastri and Leclerc in this Baku F1 edition