Formula 1 contributes to Azerbaijan’s non-oil sector, minister says

Youth and Sports Minister Farid Gayibov said the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix is contributing to the development of Azerbaijan’s non-oil sector.

He said Azerbaijan hosting the Grand Prix for the 10th time and Baku being named World Sports Capital carried symbolic significance. The minister noted that the race is strengthening Azerbaijan’s position as a reliable partner for international sporting events.

Farid Gayibov said nearly 300 local and foreign media representatives covered this year’s Grand Prix, which was broadcast live on 56 foreign television channels. He added that all tickets had sold out over the past three years, while the number of grandstands had been increased to four and total capacity raised to 21,000.

According to him, more than 17,000 foreign fans watched the race from the grandstands this year. A total of 92,000 attendances were recorded over four days, while more than 25,000 fans visited entertainment zones in the Baku Boulevard area on individual days.

Gayibov described Formula 1 as an important project in terms of sports tourism, urban infrastructure and youth socialization. He said nearly 40,000 spectators attended concerts and cultural events held as part of the race.

The winner of this year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix was British Mercedes driver George Russell.