Streets Of Baku

The Baku City Circuit is a street circuit located in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. The circuit winds through the modern and historic areas of Baku, providing a unique backdrop for motorsport events.

Track Layout

The circuit has an anti-clockwise layout designed by Hermann Tilke. It combines long straights, narrow sections, and tight corners, presenting a mix of challenges for drivers. The track features 20 corners (8 right, 12 left), with the narrowest point at the Turn 8/9 complex, measuring only 7.6 meters wide as it passes through the old town. The longest straight is a 2.2 km (1.34 mile) section along Neftchilar Avenue, where cars reach top speeds of over 350 km/h (over 209 mph).

Technical Specifications

The Baku City Circuit has a total length of 6.003 km (3.730 miles), making it the fourth-longest circuit on the Formula One calendar. A race distance covers 51 laps, totaling 306.049 km. The circuit holds an FIA Grade 1 rating and has a capacity of 18,500 spectators. The lap record stands at 1:43.009, set by Charles Leclerc in 2019, while the qualifying lap record is 1:40.203, also set by Leclerc in 2023. The circuit features two DRS zones and a pit lane time loss of approximately 16.5 - 19.8 seconds.

Racing History

The Baku City Circuit hosted its first Formula One race in 2016 as the European Grand Prix. From 2017 onwards, the event was renamed the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Nico Rosberg was the first winner in 2016, while Sergio Pérez has the most wins with two victories. The Baku race has quickly become a fan favorite due to its unpredictable and dramatic races, such as the 2017 event featuring a clash between Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, and Daniel Ricciardo's surprise victory.

Notable Events and Features

Motorsport in Baku started with the GT City Challenge in 2012. The Baku City Circuit was introduced as part of Formula One's push to explore new locations and boost tourism in Azerbaijan. In 2023, the circuit was chosen as the first venue for a sprint event. As a street circuit built on the city streets of Baku, the track requires construction of barriers and infrastructure each year. It combines modern and historic sections, winding through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the old town, adding to its unique character.