As a result, Baku gives Formula 1 a street circuit on the Caspian Sea waterfront, right beside the Baku Boulevard in the Azerbaijani capital. Moreover, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is the race it hosts.
Racing began here in 2016 under the name European Grand Prix, but the title changed to Azerbaijan Grand Prix the following year. Meanwhile, wide boulevards sit next to some of the narrowest sections of any track, and the circuit joins Melbourne, Monaco and Singapore on the list of street venues Formula 1 visits.
At 6.003 kilometres it is also one of the longest laps in Formula 1. Like Monaco, it punishes mistakes, because the walls are close and there is little or no room for error. Similarly, drivers call it a special and very unusual track.
The Baku City Circuit Track
Overall, the lap runs anti-clockwise and mixes wide-open stretches with twisty, tight sections. It starts next to Azadliq Square, then loops around the Government House and onto a straight of about 0.62 miles (1 km), before it narrows uphill at the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower.
Then comes the Old City, where the track squeezes through the castle walls in a section only a few metres wide, with a narrowest point of about 7.6 metres. After that it opens onto a 1.4 mile (2.2 km) stretch of tarmac along Neftchilar Avenue, one of the longest straights in Formula 1, and back to the start-finish line.
Overtaking is possible at the end of the straight at Turn 1, because the slipstream along the seafront helps. However, the walls leave no margin, so safety cars and red flags are common and the results are often unpredictable.
Baku City Circuit Fast Facts
| Baku City Circuit Fast Facts | |
|---|---|
| Detail | Information |
| Grand Prix | Azerbaijan Grand Prix |
| Circuit | Baku City Circuit |
| Location | Baku, Azerbaijan |
| Lap Length | 6.003 km (3.730 miles) |
| Number Of Laps | 51 |
| Race Distance | 306.049 km (190.170 miles) |
| Number Of Corners | 20 |
| First Grand Prix | 2016 |
Conclusion
Still, Baku earns its reputation from its very long straight and its narrow old town section. Also, our Formula 1 section, the Formula 1 website and the FIA website list race times, session times, results and official notices.
Questions People Ask
Where Is the Baku City Circuit?
Then, In Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, close to the Caspian Sea waterfront.
How Long Is the Baku City Circuit?
Finally, one lap measures 6.003 km (3.730 miles), and 51 laps add up to 306.049 km (190.170 miles).
How Many Laps Does the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Have?
Therefore, drivers complete 51 laps, covering 306.049 km (190.170 miles) in all.
How Many Corners Are There in Baku?
Of course, the track has 20 corners.
When Was the First Race at Baku?
Equally, the first Formula 1 race took place in 2016.
How Long Is the Longest Straight in Baku?
Specifically, Around 2.2 km along the seafront, which makes it one of the longest in Formula 1.
What Makes Baku Special?
Therefore, it pairs one of the longest straights in Formula 1 with the narrowest section in the old town.
