40 Facts About Azerbaijan Grand Prix

The Birth of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has quickly become a fan favorite since its inception. Held annually at the Baku City Circuit, this race offers a unique blend of history, culture, and high-speed action.

1. The first Grand Prix in Baku was held in 2016, initially named the "European Grand Prix." This event marked a new era for street circuits in Formula 1.

2. The Baku City Circuit is 6.003 kilometers long, making it the third longest track on the current Formula One calendar, after Spa-Francorchamps and Jeddah.

3. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix consists of 51 laps, covering a total distance of 306.049 kilometers. Drivers navigate through the city's ancient walls and high-speed stretches along the Baku shoreline.

Record-Breaking Moments

Baku has seen some incredible performances and record-breaking moments since its debut. From lap records to high-speed thrills, this circuit never disappoints.

4. Charles Leclerc holds the current lap record, setting an incredible time of 1:43.009 in 2019. This showcases the technical prowess required to master the Baku City Circuit.

5. Six drivers have won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Nico Rosberg, Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, and Max Verstappen. Sergio Perez is the only driver to have won the race twice, in 2021 and 2023.

6. Mercedes and Red Bull are the most successful teams in Azerbaijan. Mercedes has won three times, while Red Bull has clinched four victories.

Notable Drivers and Teams

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has seen some of the best drivers and teams in Formula 1 history. Their performances at Baku have left a lasting impact on the sport.

7. Sergio Perez holds the record for the most podium finishes at the Baku City Circuit, with five top-three finishes. His success at Baku is a testament to his skill and adaptability.

8. Max Verstappen, the current F1 world champion, has won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix only once. Despite his impressive career, he has faced challenges at Baku.

9. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has also won at Baku just once. His victory in 2018 was particularly notable, as he inherited the lead after Valtteri Bottas suffered a puncture three laps from the finish.

Memorable Wins and Performances

Every race at Baku brings its own set of memorable moments. From maiden victories to dramatic finishes, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix never fails to entertain.

10. Nico Rosberg won the inaugural event in 2016, setting the tone for future victories at Baku. His win was part of a dominant performance.

11. Daniel Ricciardo emerged victorious in 2017, marking his first win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. His victory was part of a strong performance by Red Bull Racing.

12. Valtteri Bottas is one of the few drivers to have turned pole position into victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. His win in 2019 was a highlight of his season.

Unique Features of the Baku City Circuit

The Baku City Circuit is known for its unique layout and challenging sections. These features make it one of the most exciting tracks on the Formula 1 calendar.

13. Charles Leclerc became the first repeat polesitter at the Baku City Circuit in 2022, setting a new benchmark for qualifying performances.

14. Lance Stroll became the second youngest driver to score a podium when he finished third in the 2017 race, aged 18 years and 239 days.

15. Baku is known as the City of Winds, with constant winds throughout most of the year. This adds an extra layer of challenge for drivers.

16. The Baku City Circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke, known for his work on several iconic street circuits. The track features a 2.2-kilometer-long main straight and narrow, twisty sections.

17. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix features two DRS (Drag Reduction System) zones. These zones provide opportunities for overtaking and strategic racing.

18. During the race, drivers must adhere to a pitlane speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour. This regulation ensures safety and efficiency during pit stops.

19. In the seven races held at the Baku City Circuit, the safety car has been deployed a total of 44 times, covering more than two-thirds of the race distance.

Strategic Elements and Challenges

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is not just about speed; strategy plays a crucial role. Teams and drivers must navigate various challenges to succeed at Baku.

20. In 2023, Sergio Perez became the first repeat winner at the Baku City Circuit, securing his second victory at the track.

21. The Baku street circuit is a unique mix of wide and open stretches and narrow, twisty sections that wind through the city's ancient walls.

22. After leaving Azadliq Square, the circuit loops around Government House, providing a challenging section for drivers.

23. The circuit heads west along a 1-kilometer straight to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower. Drivers push their cars to the limit on this straightaway.

24. The circuit offers a test of skill as drivers face a narrow 7.6-meter uphill traversal, pushing the limits of their cars and their own abilities.

25. After the challenging uphill traversal, the circuit circles the Old City, providing a breathtaking view of the city's ancient walls and historic landmarks.

26. The final section of the circuit opens up onto a 2.2-kilometer stretch along Neftchilar Avenue, leading drivers back to the start line.

Best Viewing Spots and Strategies

For fans, finding the best vantage points and understanding race strategies can enhance the experience of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

27. The principal Absheron grandstand at the end of the main straight is a great option for viewing. Here, you'll see the cars braking from around 350 kilometers per hour into the 90-degree Turn 1.

28. The Icheri Sheher grandstand provides another interesting vantage point as you watch the cars navigate through the city gate section and power on down to the super-fast section from Turn 13-15.

29. Pirelli recommends a one-stop strategy for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix under normal circumstances. Starting on the P Zero Yellow medium and then moving onto the P Zero White hard is the easiest way.

30. Those wishing to try something a bit edgier could use hard to soft. Stopping two times is clearly the slower approach, but those opting for a two-stop strategy are expected to start on the medium before switching to the hard compound for the last two stints.

31. Given the eventful nature of the races at Baku, there is a high probability of safety car deployments. This could turn the race around entirely, making strategic decisions even more crucial.

High-Speed Thrills and Cultural Significance

Baku offers more than just a thrilling race; it provides a cultural experience that blends the old with the new.

32. In 2016, Valtteri Bottas set an unofficial record for the highest ever speed recorded in an F1 car during practice, reaching 378 kilometers per hour.

33. For the first time in 2023, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix featured a Sprint Shootout, a new 45-minute qualifying session that determined the grid for the F1 Sprint later in the day. Charles Leclerc set the fastest lap time in this inaugural event.

34. Baku as a city mixes the old with the new, and the circuit showcases this blend well. Numerous modern high-rise hotels and skyscrapers are dotted throughout the city.

35. The circuit passes by several historical landmarks, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower. These ancient structures add to the charm and cultural significance of the race.

36. According to Azerbaijani mythology and beliefs, the constant winds in Baku are related to the struggle of Good and Evil. This mythological significance adds another layer of intrigue to the race.

Challenges and Future Prospects

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix presents several challenges to drivers and teams, but its future looks bright with continued excitement and innovation.

37. The Baku City Circuit presents several challenges to drivers, including the narrow uphill traversal and the technical sections around Government House.

38. The Baku City Circuit has quickly become a fan favorite since its introduction. Its unique layout and high-speed sections make it one of the most exciting races on the calendar.

39. For the first time, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be held in autumn, marking a change from the previous April and June dates. This shift could bring new challenges and opportunities for drivers and teams.

40. As Formula 1 continues to evolve, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix remains an integral part of the calendar. With its unique track and high-speed action, it promises to deliver thrilling moments for years to come.

Azerbaijan Grand Prix: A Unique Blend of History and Speed

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has quickly become a fan favorite since its debut in 2016. With its unique mix of wide straights and narrow, twisty sections, the Baku City Circuit offers a thrilling challenge for drivers. From Nico Rosberg's maiden victory to Sergio Perez's dominance, the race has seen many memorable moments. The circuit's design, featuring landmarks like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, adds a touch of history to the high-speed action. The frequent safety car deployments and unpredictable weather conditions make each race an exciting spectacle. As Formula 1 continues to evolve, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix remains a must-watch event, blending the old with the new in a way that few other races can match. Fans can look forward to more thrilling moments in the years to come.