The Baku City Circuit, also known as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix track, is a street circuit located in Baku, Azerbaijan. The circuit was designed by renowned Formula One circuit architect Hermann Tilke and made its debut on the F1 calendar in 2016. The circuit is known for its unique blend of high-speed straights and tight, twisting turns, making it a challenging and exciting track for drivers and fans alike.
The Baku City Circuit is a 6.003 km track that winds its way through the heart of Baku, passing by historic buildings and landmarks such as the Old City and the Maiden Tower. The track is also notable for its picturesque views of the Caspian Sea, which can be seen in the background of several sections of the circuit.
The circuit layout was created to challenge drivers with a combination of fast straights and tight corners. The track has a total of 20 turns, with a top speed of around 360 km/h. The longest straight on the circuit is the start-finish straight, which measures 2.2 km in length and allows for high-speed overtaking opportunities.
One of the key features of the Baku City Circuit is its narrow track width, which makes it difficult for drivers to overtake and increases the risk of collisions. This narrow track width is especially apparent in the section of the track known as the Castle section, where the walls are very close to the edge of the track.
The Baku City Circuit also features a number of unique and challenging corners, such as Turn 8, which is a high-speed left-hand turn that requires precise car control and a lot of downforce. Another challenging corner is Turn 15, which is a tight hairpin that requires drivers to brake hard and slow down quickly.
The Baku City Circuit has been the site of some memorable F1 races since its debut in 2016. In the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen collided while fighting for position, leading to a dramatic finish that saw Ricciardo take the win. The 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix was also a dramatic race, with Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas taking the win after his teammate Lewis Hamilton made a mistake and dropped out of the lead.
The Baku City Circuit is also known for its nightlife and entertainment offerings. In addition to the F1 race, the circuit hosts a number of concerts and other events during race week. The city of Baku itself is also a popular tourist destination, with a rich history and culture, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine.
The Baku City Circuit is a unique and challenging track that has quickly become a fan favorite on the F1 calendar. Its blend of high-speed straights, challenging corners, and picturesque views make it a must-see destination for any F1 fan. Whether you are a seasoned F1 fan or a casual observer, the Baku City Circuit is sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama. So, if you have the opportunity to attend the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, don’t miss out on the chance to experience this thrilling street circuit for yourself.
The Baku City Circuit in Azerbaijan is a one-of-a-kind track that provides a unique blend of high-speed straights, challenging corners, and stunning views of the Caspian Sea. The circuit’s narrow track width and tight corners make it a challenging and exciting track for drivers, while its picturesque location in the heart of Baku makes it a must-see destination for fans. Whether you are an F1 enthusiast or a casual observer, the Baku City Circuit is a track that is sure to impress and provide plenty of entertainment.
