Lap Count Secrets: Azerbaijan Grand Prix Unveiled

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event held on the Baku City Circuit, a street circuit in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The race consists of 51 laps, covering a total distance of 306.049 km. The first Azerbaijan Grand Prix was held in 2017 and was won by Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull. Since then, the race has become a popular event on the Formula One calendar, known for its unique mix of wide and open stretches and narrow, twisty sections that wind through the city's ancient walls. The current lap record holder is Charles Leclerc, who set a time of 1:43.009 in 2019.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix consists of 51 laps

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event held on the Baku City Circuit, a street circuit in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The race has been held annually since 2017, and the 2023 edition introduced a new qualifying session called the "sprint shootout".

The 51-lap format of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is in line with the regulations of the governing body of Formula One, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The FIA sets the rules and standards for the sport, including the number of laps in a race. The number of laps in a Grand Prix can vary depending on the length and design of the circuit, and the regulations in place at the time.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is known for its exciting and challenging circuit, with a mix of high-speed straights and technical, precision-demanding sections. The race takes place on the streets of Baku, with the roaring engines echoing off the buildings and ancient walls of the city. The principal Absheron grandstand at the end of the main straight is a popular viewing spot, as it offers a thrilling sight of cars braking from high speeds into a sharp turn, often resulting in overtaking manoeuvres. The Icheri Sheher grandstand provides another unique vantage point, as spectators can watch the cars navigate the tight city gate section.

The race covers a total distance of 306.049 km

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event held on the Baku City Circuit, a street circuit in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The race covers a total distance of 306.049 km (190.17 mi), with 51 laps around the 6.003 km (3.73 mi) track.

The Grand Prix was first held in 2017, and it quickly became a fan favourite due to its unique mix of wide-open stretches and tight, twisty sections. The circuit starts adjacent to Azadliq Square and loops around Government House, providing a challenging and technical section for drivers. The long main straight along the Baku shoreline allows for slipstreaming, and the cars can run three abreast into Turn 1. However, the track then loops into the city's narrow, winding Icheri Sheher old town, with cars navigating through the ancient and picturesque city walls.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix offers a test of skill for drivers, with a narrow 7.6 m (25 ft) uphill traversal that pushes the limits of their cars and their driving abilities. The final section of the circuit opens up onto a 2.2 km (1.4 mi) stretch along Neftchilar Avenue, leading drivers back to the start line for a high-speed finish.

The race typically lasts about two hours, and the principal Absheron grandstand at the end of the main straight is a popular viewing spot, as spectators can witness cars braking from high speeds into the 90-degree Turn 1 and overtaking manoeuvres. The Icheri Sheher grandstand also offers a unique vantage point as cars navigate the city gate section and power down to the super-fast Turn 13-15 complex.

The Baku City Circuit is 6.003 km long

The Baku City Circuit first hosted the Formula One Grand Prix in 2016 as the European Grand Prix, before becoming the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2017. The race has since become a fan-favourite, featuring thrilling moments and unique challenges. The circuit starts adjacent to Azadliq Square, offering an exciting spectacle from the beginning as drivers navigate through bustling city streets. After leaving the Square, the circuit loops around Government House, providing a technically challenging section that requires precise driving to manoeuvre through tight corners.

The circuit then heads west along a 1-kilometre straight to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, where drivers push their cars to the limit before facing another challenging section. This includes a narrow 7.6-metre uphill traversal that tests the limits of both the cars and the drivers' abilities. The circuit then circles the Old City, offering breathtaking views of the ancient walls and historic landmarks. This section demands even more precision driving as the cars navigate the narrow streets.

The final stretch of the circuit opens up to a 2.2-kilometre straight along Neftchilar Avenue, leading drivers back to the start line. This high-speed finish sees drivers pushing their cars to the maximum one last time. The Baku City Circuit is scheduled to host the Azerbaijan Grand Prix until at least 2026, with the race typically consisting of 51 laps, covering a total distance of 306.049 km.

The lap record holder is Charles Leclerc

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event held on the Baku City Circuit, a street circuit in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The race consists of 51 laps, covering a total distance of 306.049 km.

Leclerc's record-breaking lap showcased his exceptional driving skills and precision as he navigated the challenging twists and turns of the circuit. The Baku street circuit is renowned for its long main straight, which stretches along the Baku shoreline, allowing for high speeds and slipstreaming techniques. However, the majority of the track is made up of winding streets through the old town, requiring drivers to have impeccable technical abilities.

Leclerc's record time of 1:43.009 highlights his ability to master the intricacies of the Baku street circuit and maximise the performance of his car. This achievement further solidified his reputation as one of the top drivers in Formula One. Leclerc's success in Baku added to his impressive list of accomplishments in the sport and demonstrated his ability to excel on demanding and technical tracks.

The race lasts about two hours

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event held on the Baku City Circuit, a street circuit in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The race covers a total of 51 laps and a distance of 306.049 km (approximately 190 miles). The race usually lasts about two hours.

The Baku City Circuit is known for its unique mix of wide and open stretches and tight, twisty sections. The long main straight along the Baku shoreline offers a slipstreaming hotspot, while most of the track winds through the ancient and picturesque walls of the city's old town. The circuit starts adjacent to Azadliq Square and loops around Government House, providing a technically challenging section for drivers.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix was first held in 2017, with Daniel Ricciardo taking the win. Since then, it has become a highly anticipated event on the Formula One calendar, with the 2023 race introducing a new "sprint shootout" qualifying session. The race typically takes place in April or June and has featured as one of the earlier rounds of the Formula One World Championship.

The two-hour race is an exciting and action-packed event, with drivers reaching incredible speeds on the long straightaways and navigating their way through the narrow, winding streets of the old town. The principal Absheron grandstand, located at the end of the main straight, offers spectators a thrilling view of the cars braking from high speeds into the 90-degree Turn 1, often the site of intense overtaking manoeuvres.

Frequently asked questions