Red Bull driver becomes the sixth different winner in six races at the Home of the Street Fighters!
- Verstappen becomes the sixth different winner in the Azerbaijani capital
- Red Bull score a dominant 1-2, while both Ferraris retire with mechanical problems
- Spectator numbers total 78,000 across the weekend, with nearly a third visiting from overseas
Max Verstappen led home his Red Bull Racing team-mate Sergio Perez to score a dominant 1-2 finish on the streets of the Azerbaijani capital earlier today. Verstappen became the sixth different winner at the Baku City Circuit, ensuring there has yet to be a repeat winner in Formula 1’s most unpredictable race.
The sixth running of a Formula 1 race on the streets of this historic city on the shores of the Caspian Sea was a huge success enjoyed by 78,000 spectators across all three days. In total 27% of the fans watching around the Baku City Circuit were an international audience, with the UK leading the top countries ahead of Turkey and the USA. Those nations in particular enjoyed a significant increase in fan numbers, with ticket sales from the U.S., Turkey and United Arab doubling from 2019, while newer markets like India and Israel were amongst the top 10 international audiences buying tickets.
Fans were treated to three days of non-stop on and off track activity on the world’s most unpredictable circuit and along its stunning seaside boulevard, which doubles as the FanZone for the FORMULA 1 AZERBIAJAN GRAND PRIX 2022. The area was packed with activities for all the family to enjoy, with live music and entertainment also on offer throughout the weekend guaranteeing a full festival experience for all visitors.
On-track, saw the current World Champion secure a dominant victory on the streets of Baku. After losing this event in dramatic circumstances 12 months ago, this time around the Dutchman didn’t put a foot wrong to lead his team-mate across the line by over 20 seconds at the flag to record the 25th victory of his career.
Neither Ferrari driver finished the race, with firstly Carlos Sainz retiring after only nine laps, while his team-mate Charles Leclerc dramatically came to a halt with smoke pouring out of the back of his scarlet machine.
Verstappen’s win in the FORMULA 1 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX 2002 extended his lead at the FIA Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship standings which was aided by a disappointing weekend for his title rivals.
“Today we had an incredible pace in the race,” said a delighted Verstappen afterwards. “We looked after the tyres and were able to pass for the lead. We were a little bit lucky with the retirements, but our car was quick today, and I was happy with the balance. To have a 1-2 in the race for Red Bull means it was a very good day for us.”
Behind the dominant Red Bulls, George Russell scored his third podium of the season in third, just one place ahead of his Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
Commenting after the Grand Prix had concluded, BCC’s Executive Director Arif Rahimov was in celebratory mood: “We are thrilled to have welcomed F1 – and most importantly the fans – back to Baku this year for another wonderful weekend. Seeing so many people on the grandstands and in our Fanzone after 3 long years was an incredible feeling. The weekend had it all, action, drama, excitement and, of course, a new winner in Baku! We now look forward to building on this year’s success to deliver an even bigger and better race in 2023! See you all then!”
As well as enjoying the 51-lap FORMULA 1 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX 2022 on Sunday, the crowds were also treated to an exciting FIA Formula 2 race on this tricky, 6km layout. The morning precursor to the main event was won by Red Bull Junior Dennis Hauger. He scored his first F2 victory in dramatic circumstances by inheriting the lead from Juri Vips, who crashed his Hitech Grand Prix machine at the tricky castle section in the final moments of the race.
It underlined the mantra that nothing is guaranteed in motor racing at the challenging Baku City Circuit.