Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Where And When To Watch

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 circuit is located on the western shores of the Caspian Sea, where Europe meets Asia, and offers a fascinating mix of culture, history, and modern architecture. The first Grand Prix in Baku was held in 2016 as the European Grand Prix, and since 2017, the city has been hosting the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The race takes place over 51 laps of the 6.003-kilometre Baku City Circuit, providing a challenging mix of wide and open stretches and tight and twisty sections. The principal Absheron grandstand, where cars brake from high speeds into a 90-degree turn, is a popular viewing spot for spectators.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan

Baku is located on the western shores of the Caspian Sea, where Europe meets Asia. The city offers a fascinating mix of culture, history, and striking modern architecture. The circuit itself is a mixture of wide and open, and tight and twisty, with a long main straight along the Baku shoreline. The principal Absheron grandstand at the end of the main straight is a popular viewing spot, as it offers a view of the cars braking from high speeds into a 90-degree turn.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has been held annually since its inception, except in 2020 when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race has featured some exciting moments, including the 2017 upset victory by Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Pérez becoming the first double winner in 2023.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Baku City Circuit until at least 2026, with the 2024 edition taking place in September.

The Baku City Circuit is a street circuit

The circuit starts adjacent to Azadliq Square, then loops around Government House before heading west along a 1-kilometre (0.62-mile) straight to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower. Here, the track traverses a narrow 7.6-metre (25-foot) uphill section before circling the Old City and opening up onto a 2.2-kilometre (1.4-mile) stretch along Neftchilar Avenue back to the start line. The Baku City Circuit is known for its combination of long straights and slow technical sections, providing a challenging and unique racing experience.

The circuit has faced some criticism, particularly regarding the lack of run-off areas and the location of the pit lane entrance, which has been described as dangerous due to the high speeds of the main straight. However, the Formula One race director, Michael Masi, has stated that the venue fulfils all the necessary safety requirements.

The Baku City Circuit is a popular destination for Formula One fans, offering a fantastic F1 experience with great tracks and superb races. The stands are close to the action, providing a good feel for the awesome speeds of the cars. The city of Baku itself is also a wonderful destination, with friendly locals and plenty of attractions to explore.

The race is a Formula One event

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event that takes place on the Baku City Circuit, a street circuit in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The race was first held in 2017 and has since become a fixture on the Formula One calendar, with the latest edition taking place in 2024.

The Baku City Circuit is known for its unique characteristics, combining wide and open stretches with tight and twisty sections. The circuit runs through the heart of Baku, offering a stunning backdrop of medieval city walls and modern architecture. The main straight, located along the Baku shoreline, is particularly notable for its length and speed, providing a slipstreaming mecca for racers.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is also renowned for its challenging nature, with narrow and winding sections that require precise driving and strategic setup choices from the teams. The slightest mistakes can quickly lead to severe consequences, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the race.

The event typically spans multiple days, offering a range of entertainment options for spectators. The principal Absheron grandstand, located at the end of the main straight, is a popular viewing spot, providing spectators with a thrilling view of cars braking from high speeds into a sharp turn. The Icheri Sheher grandstand, situated in the old town, also offers a unique perspective as racers navigate the tight city gate section.

The Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix is more than just a race; it's an opportunity to experience the vibrant culture, history, and cuisine of Baku. With its mix of European and Asian influences, the city provides a fascinating backdrop to the high-octane action of Formula One racing.

The 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix took place in September

The 2024 event, officially named the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Azerbaijan Grand Prix, took place from September 12 to 15, with the main race occurring on Sunday, September 15. This date change was a swap with the Japanese Grand Prix. The race consisted of 51 laps around the 6.003-kilometre track, providing an exhilarating display of speed and skill.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has become a prominent fixture on the Formula 1 calendar, known for its exciting races and dramatic moments. The 2023 edition, for instance, saw Sergio Perez of Red Bull Racing claim his second victory at the Baku City Circuit, outperforming Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. The 2024 race continued this tradition of thrilling competition, with Oscar Piastri edging out Leclerc for the win amid late-race chaos.

The Baku City Circuit, located on the western shores of the Caspian Sea, presents a fascinating blend of culture, history, and modern architecture. The circuit incorporates the city's medieval walls and the Icheri Sheher old town, providing a unique backdrop for the high-speed action of Formula 1. The principal Absheron grandstand offers a spectacular view of cars braking from high speeds into a sharp turn, while the Icheri Sheher grandstand allows viewers to watch the cars navigate the tight city gate section.

The 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with its September date, showcased the beauty of Baku and the skill of its drivers, adding another chapter to the growing history of this prestigious racing event.

The Baku City Circuit is located on the western shores of the Caspian Sea

The Baku City Circuit is known for its challenging mixture of long straights, slow technical sections, and narrow passages with tight margins for error due to the proximity of the walls. The circuit was projected to be the fastest street circuit in the world, with a top speed of approximately 360 kilometres per hour (220 miles per hour).

The shores of the Caspian Sea near Baku offer a range of beach clubs and water sports, including kitesurfing and windsurfing. The city itself, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, provides a fascinating mix of culture, history, and modern architecture. Baku's Old Town, with its narrow alleys and historical attractions, contrasts with the city's modern developments, such as the Flame Towers, a trio of flame-shaped skyscrapers.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a Formula One motor racing event, is held on the Baku City Circuit. The race was first hosted in 2017, and it is scheduled to continue at the circuit until at least 2026. The event typically spans four days, with the race taking place on the final day.

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