Highlights of the Formula 1 European Grand Prix

This weekend, Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will host the 23rd Formula 1 European Grand Prix. This Caucasian country thus becomes the fourth country to host this race, which has sometimes left a lasting mark on the sport.

The European Grand Prix made its debut in 1983 on British soil, with Brands Hatch securing the right to host a Formula 1 race. That year, the British Grand Prix was already being held at Silverstone, and the idea of a second national event came to fruition with the new designation “European Grand Prix.” Brazilian Nelson Piquet, who would later win the world title, took the victory, followed by Frenchman Alain Prost and Briton Nigel Mansell on the podium. In 1984, the legendary Nürburgring took over, before Brands Hatch returned in 1985. The race then disappeared from the calendar until 1993, when it resurfaced under the iconic blue star-spangled banner. A heated battle at Donington Park saw Ayrton Senna claim a memorable victory, cementing the European Grand Prix's place in history.

The Nürburgring hosted the event again in 1996, giving Jacques Villeneuve his first Formula 1 victory. The following year, in Jerez, Canadian driver Jacques Villeneuve (once again) won the world championship after a dramatic battle with Michael Schumacher; the German's aggressive maneuvering did not affect Villeneuve, who celebrated his victory on the podium alongside his McLaren teammates David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen, the latter claiming his first F1 triumph.

For nine consecutive seasons, the Nürburgring remained the venue for the race, until 2008, when the street circuit in Valencia, Spain, took over. The Spanish race lasted five years, without ever really generating enthusiasm among fans or drivers. Highlights include Johnny Herbert's surprise victory with Stewart-Ford in 1999, the team's only win, and Fernando Alonso's three victories with three different teams (Renault, McLaren, and Ferrari), making him the most successful active driver in the history of the European Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher still holds the all-time record with six wins. Valencia has also been the scene of memorable moments, such as Mark Webber's spectacular jump in his Red Bull after contact with Heikki Kovalainen's Lotus in 2010. After a three-year hiatus, the European Grand Prix is returning to the Baku street circuit, which promises spectacular scenery and a challenging track, according to the few drivers who were able to complete a few test laps before the official opening on Friday.