Formula One has announced that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will remain on the schedule until the 2030 season.

Contract:Promoters agree four-year extension at the Baku City CircuitCurrent deal expired after 2026Context:

Baku City Circuit’s first official Formula One race was under the old European Grand Prix title in 2016. The venue became a permanent host thereafter and has been known as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix since 2017. Since appearing on the series’ calendar, Azerbaijan has been one of the highest paying hosts. BlackBook Motorsport understands its previous hosting fee was US$55 million per year and its new deal is an increase on that previous contract.

The 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix delivered healthy viewership figures, with a global TV audience of more than 66 million. On the ground, however, Baku City Circuit’s limited venue capacity makes it unique on the Formula One calendar, drawing fewer than 100,000 spectators across the three-day race weekend. While official figures were not released, sources told BlackBook Motorsport that around 75,000 fans attended last year’s event.

Comment:

“There’s an incredible energy to the city of Baku and, since our first Grand Prix here in 2016, Formula One has consistently received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the people of Azerbaijan,” said Formula One president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali.

“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 One, 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 One 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.”

Coming next:

Next year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix will take place on Saturday 26th September, rather than the traditional Sunday slot, to accommodate the country’s Remembrance Day.

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