Formula One's European Grand Prix would make it's return to the F-1 calendar for the first time in four years, with the overall leader in the drivers standings, Nico Rosberg, looking for his fifth victory of the season. But the German also came in looking to halt a mini-skid, as he had been denied the chequered flag in his last three outings. Instead, Lewis Hamilton won the last two competitions, cutting into his Mercedes teammate's advantage.

Rosberg would start first on the grid at the Baku City Circuit, ahead of Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo, and Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari. Hamilton opens the race 10th, after an ill-timed crash derailed his momentum in qualifying.

But the two-time world champion immediately sets out to gain ground, and by the 11th lap, he's in position to pass Williams man Valtteri Bottas for fourth place, keeping his hopes of a third straight win alive.

Things are not as upbeat for Kimi Raikkonen, as the Ferrari driver receives a five-second penalty for crossing the pit entry lane. But the Finn shakes it off, and soon passes Force India's Nico Hulkenberg, taking possession of sixth place as the two competitors round a very tight corner.

Raikkonen soon has Ricciardo in his sights as well, and on the 19th lap he puts the pedal to the metal, and pushes past the Red Bull man to move into the fourth spot.

In the meantime, Hamilton runs into problems with his switches, and tries to sort things out with the Mercedes pit crew. As the exasperated Briton describes his difficulties, the team determines that he's being hampered by at least one incorrect setting.

His issues stand in sharp contrast to Rosberg, who looks to be on cruise control as the race continues.

And with Vettel locked into second, Sergio Perez of Force India would surge past Raikkonen to claim the final podium spot on the closing lap.

But there's no catching Rosberg on this day, as the man from Germany claims his fifth title of the season. This victory in Azerbaijan also extends his lead over Hamilton to 24 points.

Rosberg finished more than 16 seconds ahead of Vettel, while Perez came in third after pipping Raikkonen on the 51st and final lap, with Hamilton rounding out the Top Five. The result also increased Rosberg's lead over Hamilton in the Drivers Standings to 24 points. Vettel is in the third slot, but 45 points off the pace.