5 drivers who left their mark on the history of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix - PHOTO
Since 2016, the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix has given F1 drivers and fans plenty of thrilling moments. Over the years, each of the drivers who has written his name into the history of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has developed his own story connected with Baku.
Nico Rosberg, winner of the first race, Max Verstappen, a two-time winner in Baku, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, record holder for the number of pole positions Charles Leclerc, and Sergio Perez, who has climbed onto the podium five times, are among the drivers who have left a particularly notable mark on the history of this race.
On the eve of the 10th Azerbaijan Grand Prix, let us recall the most striking moments and results of these five drivers on the Baku City Circuit.
Nico Rosberg - the first Formula 1 winner in Baku
Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg occupies a special place in the history of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. It was this German driver who won the first Formula 1 race held in our capital in 2016. That weekend, Rosberg took pole position, led throughout the entire race, set the fastest lap, and was the first to cross the finish line, claiming the "Grand Slam" for the second time in his career.
Nico Rosberg made his Formula 1 debut in 2006 at the Bahrain Grand Prix. From 2006 to 2009 he raced for "Williams," and from 2010 to 2016 for "Mercedes." Nico is also the son of Keke Rosberg, the 1982 Formula 1 world champion.
After his historic victory in Baku, Rosberg finished the 2016 season with second place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, beating Lewis Hamilton in the overall standings by just 5 points and becoming Formula 1 world champion for the first time in his career. Just five days after winning the championship title, Rosberg unexpectedly announced his retirement from Formula 1.
Max Verstappen - a difficult path to success in Baku
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen took his first victory in Baku only on his sixth attempt. The Dutch driver, who has competed on the Baku City Circuit since 2016, finished first here for the first time in 2022. In 2025, Verstappen took his second victory in Baku, claiming pole position, setting the fastest lap, and leading throughout the entire race, thereby completing a "Grand Slam."
Verstappen's performances in Baku have also been memorable for their dramatic moments. In 2018, after a collision with his "Red Bull" teammate Daniel Ricciardo, both drivers were forced to end their fight. In 2021, Verstappen, who was leading the race, lost his chance at victory just a few laps before the finish due to a tire puncture and was unable to complete the race.
Verstappen made his Formula 1 debut in 2015 at the Australian Grand Prix. Already in 2016, at the age of 18, he won the Spanish Grand Prix, becoming the youngest race winner in the history of Formula 1.
Lewis Hamilton - victory and drama on the streets of Baku
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has taken only one victory in nine races in Baku. Although back in 2017 the Briton came very close to success: starting from pole position, Hamilton was leading and moving confidently toward victory. However, a technical problem with his car forced him to head to the pit lane, depriving him of a possible win. A year later, Hamilton did achieve victory in Baku, becoming the winner of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and in 2019 he took second place and once again climbed onto the podium.
Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut in 2007 and in his very first season lost the championship title by just one point. Over the course of his career, he has won seven championship titles.
The story of Hamilton's famous number 44 dates back to his karting years. When he began racing at the age of eight, he chose the number "44" after seeing it on the license plate of his father's car. He later kept this number in Formula 1 as well.
Now a new page is opening for him in Baku. Will Lewis Hamilton be able to prove himself once again on the streets of Baku behind the wheel of a "Ferrari"?
Charles Leclerc - the Azerbaijan Grand Prix record holder for the number of poles
Charles Leclerc is a true master of pole positions on the Baku City Circuit. The "Ferrari" driver took pole at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix four years in a row - in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. No other driver in Baku's history has managed to repeat this achievement. At the same time, Leclerc has not yet been able to win in Baku. His best result is second place in 2024.
In 2018, when Leclerc made his Formula 1 debut, he finished 6th in Baku behind the wheel of a "Sauber." In 2019, already with "Ferrari," he set the fastest lap time - 1:43.009. This result remains the official lap record of the Baku City Circuit to this day.
In 2026, the main question remains the same: will Charles Leclerc finally be able to cap his streak of poles in Baku with a victory?
Sergio Perez - the "king of the Baku circuit"
Sergio Perez, known in Formula 1 as "Checo," has a special history with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Mexican driver won in Baku in 2021 and 2023 and has climbed onto the podium five times. Perez is the only driver to have earned five podiums on the Baku City Circuit, and it is precisely these results that have brought him the unofficial title of "king of the Baku circuit."
Perez made his Formula 1 debut in 2011 with "Sauber." Over the course of his career he has taken 6 victories, two of which came in Baku. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is the only race in Formula 1 where he has won more than once.
In 2026, "Checo" returns to Baku in a completely new status. After a one-year break, Perez is returning to Formula 1 and this time will be fighting on one of his favorite circuits behind the wheel of a car from the new "Cadillac" team. Will the "king of the Baku circuit" be able to surprise everyone once again together with his new team?
Anniversary race - 10 years
Over the 10 years of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix's history, the Baku City Circuit has become the arena of victories for the most famous Formula 1 drivers and of vivid events. From Rosberg's first victory and Hamilton's podiums to Perez's successes in Baku, Leclerc's records, and Verstappen's two wins - each of these drivers has left his mark on the history of the race.
The 10th anniversary Grand Prix, which will take place in 2026, will add a new page to this history. Another Formula 1 weekend awaits us on the Baku City Circuit, and the race will show who will claim the next memorable result, victory, or record.
