10 Thrilling Facts about the Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Speed Records, Historic Wins, and More!
10 Thrilling Facts about the Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Speed Records, Historic Wins, and More!
1. First Winner of Azerbaijan Grand Prix
The first Azerbaijan Grand Prix, held in 2016, was won by Nico Rosberg. Initially, it was called the European Grand Prix.
The first Azerbaijan Grand Prix took place in 2016 and was originally called the European Grand Prix. This exciting race was held on the streets of Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. Nico Rosberg, driving for the Mercedes team, emerged as the winner.
This victory was a significant part of Rosberg’s successful season, which eventually led him to win the World Championship title that year.
2. High-Speed Record at Azerbaijan Grand Prix
During qualifying in 2016, Valtteri Bottas set an unofficial record for the highest speed ever recorded in an F1 car, reaching 378 km/h.
During the qualifying session for the 2016 race, Valtteri Bottas, driving for the Williams team, set an unofficial record for the highest speed ever recorded in a Formula 1 car. He reached an astonishing speed of 378 km/h (235 mph) on the long straight section of the Baku City Circuit.
This incredible speed highlighted the unique features of the track, especially its long straights that allow cars to reach such high velocities.
3. Unique Track Design of the Azerbaijan Circuit
The Baku City Circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, is known for its unique layout that combines tight corners with long straights, making it one of the most challenging tracks.
The Baku City Circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke, a famous circuit architect. The track is special because it mixes tight, twisty sections with long, fast straights. This makes Baku city circuit, one of the toughest tracks in Formula 1. Drivers have to carefully navigate narrow streets and sharp corners, especially around the old city area, which requires a lot of skill and precision. The long straights, however, give drivers a chance to overtake and race at high speeds!
4. Length of the Azerbaijan F1 Circuit
The track is 6.003 kilometres long, making it the second-longest circuit on the F1 calendar after Spa-Franco champs in Belgium.
The Baku City Circuit is 6.003 kilometres (3.730 miles) long, making it the second-longest track in Formula 1, just behind Spa-Franco champs in Belgium. The length of the track, combined with its challenging design, means that races here are often unpredictable and thrilling.
5. Historic Setting of the Azerbaijan Track
The circuit runs through the historic center of Baku, including the iconic Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs
One of the most interesting things about the Baku City Circuit is its location. The track goes through the historic center of Baku, passing by several famous landmarks. These include the Maiden Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a palace complex from the 15th century.
This combination of the modern racing along with ancient architecture makes the Azerbaijan Grand Prix visually stunning and culturally significant!
6. The Main Straight of the Azerbaijan Circuit
The 2200-meter-long main straight along the Baku shoreline is perfect for slipstreaming, allowing cars to run three abreast.
The Baku City Circuit has a main straight that is about 2200 meters long and runs along the beautiful Baku shoreline. This straight is one of the longest in Formula 1, making it perfect for slipstreaming.
Slipstreaming is when drivers use the air draft from the car in front to go faster. This part of the track allows cars to go side by side, creating overtaking chances and often leading to dramatic moments during the race.
7. Fastest Lap Record at Azerbaijan Grand Prix!
The lap record at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is held by Charles Leclerc, who set a time of 1:43.009 in 2019.
The Fastest lap record at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is held by Charles Leclerc, who set a fast time of 1:43.009 in 2019. Leclerc, driving for Ferrari, achieved this record during the 2019 race on this tough circuit. This record is a goal for other drivers who want to push the limits of speed and precision on the Baku City Circuit.
8. High Number of DNF at Azerbaijan Circuit
The race is Famous for its high number of DNFs (Did Not Finish). In 2024 alone, 17 drivers registered a DNF.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is known for having many DNFs (Did Not Finish). The mix of tight corners, fast straights, and narrow streets in Baku often leads to crashes and mechanical problems. In 2024 alone, 17 drivers did not finish the race, showing how unpredictable and challenging this race can be, even for the most experienced drivers.
9. Only 1 person has won twice at Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Sergio Perez is the only driver from the current grid to have won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix twice, though not in consecutive years
Sergio Perez is the only driver currently racing who has won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix twice, although not in back-to-back years.
Checo Perez, who is very good at racing on street circuits, first won the race in 2021 and then again in 2023.
10. Winner of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2024
Oscar Piastri won the most recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2024, overtaking Charles Leclerc and surviving a late crash that knocked out Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz.
Oscar Piastri won the most Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2024. He started the race from second place on the grid and managed to overtake Charles Leclerc to take the lead. Despite facing a lot of pressure, Piastri held onto his lead.
The race ended under virtual safety car conditions because of a late crash that took out Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz.
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