Baku City Circuit has played host for a successful seventh time on the Formula One calendar ©Getty Images

The Baku City Circuit has enjoyed a seventh successful inclusion on the Formula One calendar which saw Mexican driver Sergio Pérez become the first double winner in the Azerbaijani capital.

The Red Bull man ended up triumphant at the end of another thrilling race that continues to produce classics.

Despite being a relatively new addition to the schedule, the six-kilometre track has become a fan favourite.

Since its debut in 2016, then known as the European Grand Prix, it has conjured up six different winners, coming from as far back as 10th place on the starting grid.

With the longest straight in the calendar at 2.2km it is one of the best circuits for overtaking and in the past has seen last-lap drama, drivers clashing behind the safety car, and triple passes on one corner.

Pérez's historic second triumph followed his 2021 victory as he dislodged pole position starter Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari.

Leclerc was caught early on by Pérez who put in a sensational performance and came out on top of a superb dogfight with team-mate Max Verstappen.

Sergio Pérez became the first person to win twice at the Baku City Circuit at this year's Azerbaijan Grand Prix ©Getty Images
Sergio Pérez became the first person to win twice at the Baku City Circuit at this year's Azerbaijan Grand Prix ©Getty Images

The result marked Pérez's sixth career win, and fifth on a street circuit.

Verstappen also missed out in Pérez's first win in Azerbaijan two years ago.

The Dutchman was leading comfortably with six laps remaining but suddenly crashed out after a left rear tyre failure.

Just two laps remained after the red flag was taken away and left a two-lap duel with British driver Lewis Hamilton.

Pérez prevailed after Hamilton accidently flicked a switch on his steering wheel and he crashed out with a single lap to go.

Fans of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be delighted at the latest deal between Formula One and the Baku City Circuit.

The recent edition also saw the first sprint race of the 2023 season.

Representatives from Baku City Circuit confirmed the body's commitment to the environment as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix signed on to Formula One's net zero carbon by 2030 initiative ©Getty Images
Representatives from Baku City Circuit confirmed the body's commitment to the environment as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix signed on to Formula One's net zero carbon by 2030 initiative ©Getty Images

The format features on this year's calendar six times, with Pérez also taking victory.

It helped contribute to a record number of fans from more than 100 countries attending the race weekend. 

Baku City Circuit also made a commitment to support environmental sustainability at the Grand Prix.

It joined the Formula One initiative to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2030 as part of its global sustainable development strategy.

The high-drama event will remain on the calendar until 2026 following a three-year agreement with the local organisers.

The Grand Prix has been hugely beneficial for Azerbaijan with the country's Sports Minister Farid Gayibov praising the "economic, social, and cultural impact of the sport".