Azerbaijan GP extends F1 deal until 2023

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will remain part of the Formula 1 calendar until 2023, circuit officials have confirmed. The race in Baku joined F1 in 2016 as the European Grand Prix before being renamed one year later.

The previous contract was not set to run out after the 2019 event, but promoters and Formula One Management still opted to sign the deal in advance. The circuit has produced unpredictable and exciting races at its last two events, which has lead to the extension.

"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 F1 CEO Chase 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."

Azerbaijan's minister of youth and sports Azad Rahimov added: "This is a truly proud day for all of us. 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."