Top 5 most dramatic moments from Azerbaijan GP
The Baku City Circuit has always created numerous dramatic moments and thrilling races; recount the top five most dramatic and intense moments of Azerbaijan GP's history.
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Charles Leclerc dramatically crashes in Baku (Credits: The Telegraph)
Azerbaijan GP has been a great source of entertainment ever since its inception in 2016. It has produced a different race winner every year and has earned the saying “Well done, Baku!” for the exciting races it has produced so far. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has never failed to deliver drama and excitement. From unexpected incidents to nail-biting finishes, Baku has become a fan-favorite and a must-watch event for motorsport enthusiasts.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix was initially called the ‘European Grand Prix’ at its debut but was renamed the following season in 2017. The 6.003-kilometer (3.730-mile) circuit combines sharp, twisting turns and a lengthy high-speed straight. The track begins at the Caspian Sea’s beach, with the start/finish straight running parallel to the water. Take a trip down memory lane and revisit the top 5 most dramatic moments in Baku’s short but illustrious history, reliving the moments that made the audience jump out of their seats and cheer for their favorite drivers.
Discover: Which F1 team has the most Azerbaijan GP wins?
Here are the five most dramatic moments from the Azerbaijan GP
5. Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton’s 2017 safety car fiasco
The 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix was a race that started with a bang and continued with edge-of-the-seat action until Daniil Kvyat’s abrupt halt prompted a safety car deployment. Drivers dutifully retreated into the pits, including the two championship contenders, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. However, a split-second mistake by Vettel resulted in a collision with Hamilton’s car, causing damage to both vehicles. Vettel alleged that Hamilton had intentionally braked, but careful analysis of the telemetry data later debunked this claim.
Vettel was held responsible for “deliberately turning into” Hamilton and was slapped with a 10-second stop-go penalty for hazardous driving. The incident sparked a fierce rivalry between the two drivers. Hamilton openly referred to Vettel as a “disgrace” and challenged him to a mano-a-mano resolution outside the cockpit. In a remarkable turn of events, ahead of Vettel’s final F1 race weekend in 2022, he extended a heartfelt apology to Hamilton for the episode. The two drivers revealed how the incident had brought them closer together.
4. Daniel Ricciardo’s triple overtake
Regarding the most memorable and thrilling moments in Baku, the 2017 race unquestionably stands out. This event was one of the most electrifying races of the 2017 season and was marked by numerous unforgettable moments. One such moment was the incredible performance of Daniel Ricciardo, who put on a display of racing brilliance.
Despite starting the race in tenth position, Ricciardo showcased his unique blend of skill and tenacity. Early on, he encountered issues with his brakes when some debris became lodged in the ducts. However, after receiving clearance to continue, the Honey Badger delivered one of his signature performances.
When the race was red-flagged following a collision involving Racing Point teammates, it had a rolling restart. Hamilton led the pack, while Ricciardo found himself in sixth place. With his incredible late-braking moves, the Australian overtook three cars ahead of him in the first turn alone. This maneuver propelled Ricciardo to third position, and he maintained his lead through meticulous driving. Ultimately, he secured a stunning victory ahead of Valtteri Bottas, who narrowly edged out Lance Stroll for second place at the finish line.
3. Max Verstappen crashes from the lead in 2021
The 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix delivered an enthralling spectacle that saw Max Verstappen dominate the race until the final five laps. Verstappen took the lead from the pole-sitter Charles Leclerc and held onto the lead almost the entire race. To his dismay, his left rear tire failed, causing him to crash out of the race dramatically. The Dutchman’s retirement was a pivotal moment in the season. He had been leading the championship in a heated battle with Lewis Hamilton and was within reach of claiming his maiden victory in Baku.
In the aftermath of the race, Verstappen conceded that it may have been the turning point that cost Red Bull the constructors’ title. The event was not without its share of other dramatic incidents, as Lance Stroll of Aston Martin also suffered a crash earlier in the race. The subsequent multi-car tire failures cast a harsh spotlight on Pirelli, the official tire supplier, who faced intense scrutiny. However, the unfortunate events ultimately resulted in a surprising victory for Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, while Sebastian Vettel of Aston Martin claimed second place on the podium.
2. Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo crash into each other
The 2018 Azerbaijan GP was a captivating and eventful race. Valtteri Bottas, who had been leading the race, was unfortunately forced to retire due to a puncture, handing the lead to his Mercedes teammate, Lewis Hamilton. However, the most memorable race moment occurred in the latter stages when the Red Bull teammates collided dramatically.
Throughout the race, Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo had been fiercely battling for position, leading up to their collision on lap 40. The incident unfolded when Ricciardo attempted an inside pass on Verstappen at turn one, but the latter moved to defend his position, leading to a collision between the two cars. The collision resulted in the retirement of both drivers and created a strain on their relationship and the team as a whole. Ricciardo voiced his frustration with Verstappen’s driving after the race, while Verstappen apologized for the incident. The crash had far-reaching implications for the Red Bull team, costing them valuable points and leading to Ricciardo’s departure to Renault in the following season.
Honorable Mention
Fernando Alonso’s double puncture
At the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso was at the wheel of an underperforming McLaren, qualifying in 13th place for the race. Everything was supposed to go according to the plan until Williams’ Lance Stroll hindered Alonso’s path in the first lap, resulting in a rear right puncture. In the following commotion, Alonso veered right and collided with a Renault, badly injuring his car and puncturing the front right tire that had first come into contact with Stroll’s front wing.
Unfazed by the setback, Alonso skillfully maneuvered his ailing vehicle back to the pits, the underfloor scrapping against the harsh asphalt. Despite losing over 25-30 downforce points, a major blow to a poor car, the Spaniard took on the task with gusto. He quickly replaced his old tires with new ones and returned to the race with an agenda to make up lost ground. Alonso summoned his excellent driving talents from the last place, slashing through the pack with accuracy and grace. His outstanding effort resulted in a respectable eighth-place finish.
1. Lewis Hamilton’s magic button locks up
The 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix was a painful experience for Lewis Hamilton as he faced one of the most agonizing moments of his racing career. The race was stopped due to Max Verstappen’s unexpected accident caused by a tire blowout. After the restart, Hamilton found himself in second place, just behind Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. He managed to grab the lead off the line but made a steering wheel error by turning his magic button on, which made him lock his front tires up and go straight at turn one. The button shifts the brake balance of the car, and Hamilton has accidentally turned it on during his upshifts. This costly mistake shattered his hopes of winning the race and left him without any points for the first time in the season. It was a surreal ending to a dramatic race.
Hamilton was devastated after the race and expressed his disappointment with himself for the error. The consequences of this mistake were significant as it helped Sergio Perez take the win for Red Bull and allowed Verstappen to retain his championship lead over Hamilton. The incident was the most dramatic moment of the race in Baku, as it essentially robbed Lewis Hamilton of valuable points that could have been crucial in securing his record-breaking eighth world championship.
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Rohit Bhaskar
(727 Articles Published)