Will the Armenia / Azerbaijan conflict impact the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2023?
Armenia and Azerbaijan are daily clashing at the border. Fierce battles result in several deaths each day. Such a conflict could have an impact on decisions in the sports field, such as Formula 1, which regularly visits Azerbaijan for the championship.
The conflict between the two countries has been lasting for 100 years, but recent violations of the ceasefire have taken place. Armenia and Azerbaijan are disputing a territory that has been independent since the fall of the USSR.
These ceasefires have allowed Formula 1 to develop in Azerbaijan, and Grand Prix races have been taking place in Baku every year since 2016. The Grand Prix was initially called the European Grand Prix before being renamed the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The FIA has a contract until 2023. But the tensions prevailing in the sector and the war, which has intensified in recent days, could change the situation. If the safety of the drivers or spectators is no longer ensured, it is evident that the Grand Prix will be canceled. The FIA will therefore wait to see how the situation evolves before making a decision.
For now, nothing has been reported and the Grand Prix is still on. The schedule has leaked and tickets are already on sale for next year. So, the drivers could very well compete on the track the weekend of April 28th.
The defending champion Max Verstappen could therefore put his victory on the line. In terms of constructors, Red Bull is leading ahead of Mercedes with 3 wins to 2 out of the 5 Azerbaijan Grand Prix that have taken place. The European Grand Prix held in Baku in 2016 saw Nico Rosberg emerge victorious. So, on the circuit, there is an equal number of wins between Red Bull and Mercedes, with each having 3 wins.
