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Azerbaijan will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until at least the end of 2023 under a new deal between the government and Liberty Media.
Baku joined the calendar as the European Grand Prix in 2016 and while there existed a 10-year agreement to hold a round there, the existence of a break clause in the contract led to uncertainty over the grand prix’s future.
Azerbaijan and Formula 1 have no affirmed that the race will continue for at least another three years beyond that break point.
“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.
“All fans of our sport should make a note in the diary for the 28th April, the date of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2019.”
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.
“This new agreement will allow our race to maximise its 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.
“With these exciting opportunities in mind, extending our contract was never in question and we are delighted to stay in this wonderful sport for another five years at least.”
Lewis Hamilton won last year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix while then Red Bull Racing team-mates Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen collided in a chaotic end to the race.
This year’s event takes place on April 26-28.
