Formula 1’s popular race, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has successfully extended its contract with the series to last until 2023, bringing a sigh of relief among fans.
The track joined F1 racing calendar in 2016 under the title European GP and is considered as one of the most unpredictable/exciting tracks every year.
Since the last two years, the Baku race is the only one where teams other than the top three, got a chance at the podium.
The current deal was about to end in 2020. The new extension signed by F1 CEO Chase Carey and Azerbaijan’s minister of youth and sports Azad Rahimov will ensure the race continues till 2023.
“We are very pleased to have renewed this agreement which will see the Azerbaijan Grand Prix feature on the Formula 1 World Championship calendar for many years to come,” said Carey.
“In just a short space of time, this race has become one of the most popular of the season, always producing closely fought and spectacular racing.
“The Republic of Azerbaijan provides a really excellent welcome to everyone in Formula 1 and the beautiful city of Baku is an amazing backdrop for the greatest motor racing show in the world.”
In 2018, the Azerbaijan GP switched position from June to April and will continue in the same slot this year.
Extending the contract was always a done deal and the new extension will allow them to “maximise commercial revenues through increased fan-engagement activities and a brand-new sponsorship approach to engage our local and regional businesses with Formula 1’s global platform”, Rahimov added.
“This is a truly proud day for all of us,” said Rahimov. “The last few years have been a dream come true for the people of Baku as we have seen our race weekend grow from a simple idea into one of the most dramatic and exciting race weekends in F1’s history.
“Already, we have played host to some of the sport’s most iconic moments.
“Furthermore, every year we have seen more and more fans from all over the world attend the race and have been overwhelmed at how well our event has been embraced by the global Formula 1 community.”
