Baku City Circuit

The Baku City Circuit, located in Baku, Azerbaijan, represents a unique challenge within the Formula 1 calendar due to its distinctive blend of high-speed straights and demanding street circuit characteristics. Carved out within the historical streets of the city, this circuit features a mix of tight, twisty sections and long flat-out stretches, including the impressive main straight along the Baku shoreline. Constructed to bring the excitement of Formula 1 racing to Azerbaijan, the circuit provides an urban backdrop that combines modern racing technology with ancient city views, making it a favorite among fans and drivers alike.

Hosting the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the circuit navigates through Baku’s architecturally diverse city center, past ancient buildings, and along the Caspian Sea, encapsulating the essence of high-speed motorsport juxtaposed against a rich historical tapestry. This juxtaposition not only enhances the visual spectacle for spectators but also tests the technical capabilities and adaptability of drivers and teams to its unique demands. As the circuit is a street track, the proximity of barriers increases the level of skill required to compete, which often results in exciting and unpredictable race outcomes.

Baku City Circuit Overview

The Baku City Circuit is a renowned street circuit in F1 racing, which strikes a fine balance between speed and precision, carved out in the historic streets of Baku, Azerbaijan.

Circuit Information

• Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
• Time Zone: UTC+04:00
• Capacity: Up to 18,500 spectators
• FIA Grade: 1
• Length: 6.003 km (3.730 miles)
• Turns: 20
• Race Lap Record: 1:43.009, set by Charles Leclerc in 2019
• Inauguration: European Grand Prix in 2016

The circuit is operated by the Baku City Circuit Operation Company, with Hermann Tilke as the architect responsible for its innovative design.

Design and Features

Characterized by its unique layout, the Baku City Circuit combines high-speed straights and technically challenging turns. The circuit is the second longest in the current Formula One calendar and is known for its top speed reaching close to 360 km/h, denoting its title as one of the fastest street circuits in the world.

Key Design Features:

• Start Point: Adjacent to Azadliq Square
• Notable Sections: Government House, the old city near Maiden Tower
• Longest Straight: Approximately 2.2 km on Neftchilar Avenue
• Narrowest Point: 7.6 m wide, requiring precision driving

Such features result in a rhythmic yet rigorous driving experience, emphasizing downforce and driver skill.

Historical Highlights

The race history at Baku City Circuit is packed with memorable moments underlying its reputation for unpredictability. Valtteri Bottas’ 2016 record-setting top speed and the challenging GP2 race in the same year highlight the circuit’s demanding nature. Concerns raised over safety have been addressed to ensure compliance with FIA’s regulations.

Noteworthy Historical Points:

• 2016: Inaugural European Grand Prix and GP2 race incidences occurred
• 2019: Fastest race lap record set by Charles Leclerc in a Ferrari SF90
• Safety Enhancements: Adjusted run-off areas and secured track fixtures

“Baku is a great circuit,” stated Pierre Gasly. “It’s a street circuit, so the risks are doubled, and everything is more complicated because of the proximity to the walls. It’s not a circuit where you can be aggressive, take the outside lane on a turn, touch the grass, and have a little dust on the tires.”

This circuit weaves through the ancient city of Baku, providing a formidable challenge that combines breakneck speeds with intricate precision driving.

Technical Specifications

The Baku City Circuit, debuting in 2016 in Azerbaijan’s capital, stands out for its combination of high speeds and technical complexity, due to the prevalence of both extended straights and challenging turns.

Track Length

• Length: 6.003 kilometers (3.730 miles)
• Number of Turns: 20

The circuit’s layout artfully integrates Baku’s historic features with modern racing demands, requiring both precision and power over its 20 demanding turns.

Lap Record

• Record Holder: Charles Leclerc
• Best Lap Time: 1:43.009 (2019)

Top Speeds

• Top Recorded Speed: 378 km/h (by Valtteri Bottas, 2016)
• Average Top Speeds: Exceed 340 km/h on main straight

Sebastian Vettel, among other pilots, has experienced the adrenaline rush provided by the 2.2-kilometer main straight, known as one of the fastest stretches in Formula 1. The circuit demands maximum downforce to maneuver through the tight corners after the blazing speeds on the straight.

Grand Prix Events

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, held at the Baku City Circuit, is a standout event in the Formula 1 calendar, encompassing a weekend full of high-octane racing and an array of supporting activities.

Weekend Schedule

The race weekend is structured over several days, culminating in the main race on Sunday. The event stretches across a circuit of 6.003 kilometers, challenging drivers to complete 51 laps. Spectators can follow not only the race but also practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and a variety of special events tied to the Grand Prix.

Practice Sessions

Friday and Saturday are crucial for teams and drivers, featuring the first practice session (FP1) and the final practice known as free practice 3 (FP3). These sessions serve as a platform for teams to fine-tune their vehicles and strategies:

• First Practice Session (FP1): Teams get their first taste of the track, assessing performance and track conditions.
• Free Practice 3 (FP3): The last chance for teams to perfect their setups before the pressure of qualifying begins.

Qualifying Format

Qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix unfolds in a three-stage format, decisively setting the starting grid positions. On Saturday, drivers push their limits to secure a favorable spot:

1. Q1: Preliminary elimination round, where the slowest drivers are filtered out.
2. Q2: Another wave of elimination, further refining the grid.
3. Q3: The top drivers vie for pole position, laying the groundwork for potential race day success.

Spectator Information

The Baku City Circuit offers ample viewing areas and a diverse range of entertainment options, ensuring that spectators have an engaging and comfortable experience while watching the race.

Viewing Areas

• Absheron Grandstand: This grandstand provides an excellent view of the cars as they roar down the main straight, a focal point for high-speed action. It boasts a significant seating capacity, positioning spectators at the heart of the start and finish of the race.
• Grandstands: Strategically located around the circuit, the grandstands are designed to offer superb views of the racing. Detailed information on each grandstand’s view and capacity can be found on the official Baku City Circuit website.

Entertainment Options

• On-Site Entertainment: Spectators can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including special events hosted throughout the Grand Prix weekend.
• TV Screens: Large TV screens are situated around the circuit, ensuring that spectators in the grandstands can follow all the on-track action without missing a moment.

Results and Highlights

The Baku City Circuit has consistently delivered some of Formula 1’s most unpredictable and game-changing moments. With a mix of long straights and narrow turns, it challenges both drivers and teams to adapt quickly to its unique demands.

Race Winners

• 2016: Nico Rosberg secured a commanding win during the circuit’s inaugural race, known then as the European Grand Prix.
• 2017: Daniel Ricciardo emerged victorious in a chaotic race full of overtakes and incidents.
• 2018: Lewis Hamilton took the win after a late puncture denied Valtteri Bottas the victory.
• 2019: Valtteri Bottas redeemed his previous year’s misfortune by taking first place.
• 2021: Sergio Perez claimed victory after a dramatic late-race tyre failure for Max Verstappen.
• 2023: Sergio Perez became the first repeat winner at the Baku City Circuit.

Record Breakers

• Valtteri Bottas set an outstanding unofficial speed record of 378 km/h during qualifying in 2016.
• Daniel Ricciardo‘s overtake in 2017 was voted the best of the year, highlighting his exceptional racecraft.
• Lance Stroll scored a podium finish at the 2017 Grand Prix, becoming the second-youngest driver to do so.
• Sergio Perez has the most podium finishes at the circuit, underlining his consistency and skill at the track.
• In 2022, Charles Leclerc became the first repeat polesitter, showcasing his qualifying prowess.
• Fernando Alonso set a new record for the longest F1 career during the 2022 event, a testament to his enduring talent in the sport.

Racing Dynamics

Baku City Circuit presents a distinctive set of challenges when it comes to racing dynamics, heavily influenced by the unique characteristics of the track layout. Strategies around tyre selection, the impact of the safety car, and the overtaking opportunities all play pivotal roles in determining the outcome of a race.

Tyre Strategy

At Baku City Circuit, choosing the right tyre compound is crucial due to the track layout which combines high-speed straights and slow, technical sections. Pirelli, as the tyre supplier for Formula 1, typically provides a selection of compounds suited to diverse strategies. Teams must balance the need for tyres that offer high durability to withstand the harsh acceleration and braking zones with softer compounds that provide greater grip through the circuit’s twisty turns.

• Soft Tyres: Offer maximum grip but may require more pit stops.
• Hard Tyres: Provide durability but could compromise speed in tight corners.

Teams work closely with Pirelli to understand the wear and degradation rates which are influenced by factors from track temperature to the aggressive acceleration off the grid leading to a 202-metre run to the first corner.

Safety Car Impact

The narrow streets and sharp turns of Baku City Circuit result in a high probability of the safety car being deployed during a race. A safety car situation can significantly impact race strategy, often prompting teams to take advantage of pit stops during these periods. The impact is two-fold:

• Reduced speed: Cars must maintain a lower speed, which gives teams a chance to change tyres with less time lost.
• Bunched up field: Allows drivers at the back to close the gap, offering the potential to recover positions lost earlier in the race.

The prevalence of incidents, due to factors like wind affecting aerodynamic stability and downforce, also contributes to the likelihood of safety car deployments.

Overtaking Opportunities

Overtaking at Baku City Circuit is facilitated by its long straights, particularly the 2.2-kilometer section between turns 2 and 3, which is one of the longest flat-out parts of any F1 track. However, overtaking requires precision due to the high-speed nature of these zones.

• DRS Zones: There are typically two designated DRS zones where drivers can open the rear wing for an aerodynamic advantage, making overtaking more feasible.
• Turn 1: The end of the main straight into turn 1 is the prime overtaking spot.
• Braking Zones: Heavy braking zones following high-speed sections present additional overtaking chances, but risk lock-ups and collisions.

The challenge of executing successful overtakes is compounded by the street circuit’s tight corners, requiring drivers to have a strong exit to carry speed onto the straights, where the slipstream effect can assist in passing maneuvers.

Fan Experience

At the Baku City Circuit, fans are treated to a dynamic and immersive experience. The circuit prides itself on a diverse array of entertainment options and excellent facilities that enable spectators to enjoy the festivities and the adrenaline of Formula 1 racing.

Autograph Sessions

Autograph Sessions intensely personalize the fan experience at the Baku City Circuit. Fans have the opportunity to meet their favorite drivers face-to-face and obtain autographed memorabilia, making it a treasured takeaway from the Grand Prix weekend. These sessions are complemented by support races, offering a full array of motorsport action.

Press Conferences

The Press Conferences grant fans access to pivotal moments where drivers and team principals answer pressing questions. Spectators become part of the narrative, witnessing first-hand accounts and insights that shape the race commentary. The facilities at Baku City Circuit are designed to accommodate a large capacity, ensuring numerous fans can experience these engaging events up close.

Baku City Circuit – Frequently Asked Questions

The Baku City Circuit hosts a Formula One World Championship race, presenting unique features and challenges that spark common queries among fans and attendees.

What is the longest straight in F1 history?

The Baku City Circuit boasts the longest straight on the current Formula One calendar, stretching for 2.2 kilometers (1.4 miles) along the Baku Boulevard.

How many turns are there in Baku City Circuit?

There are a total of 20 turns at the Baku City Circuit, comprising both high-speed sweeps and tight, technical corners.

How many laps in Baku?

A single race at the Baku City Circuit consists of 51 laps.

What kind of track is Baku?

Baku City Circuit is a street circuit that winds through the historical and modern sections of Baku, blending long straights and tight corners with both technical and flat-out sections.

What are the fun facts about Baku GP?

Since its debut on the Formula One calendar in 2016, the Baku City Circuit has seen a variety of winners and dramatic races, including a notable double retirement for Ferrari in 2022. The track is known for its challenging layout and the iconic Maiden Tower turn.