FYI: This weekend marks Round 17 of the 2024 Formula 1 season in the picturesque city of Baku, Azerbaijan, where the action will unfold on the challenging Baku City Circuit.
Formula 1 Heads to Azerbaijan for Round 17
Round 17 of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship is set to take place this weekend in Baku, Azerbaijan, offering fans another thrilling installment of the season.
Unique Characteristics of the Baku City Circuit
As the final European race of the season, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is a fan favorite due to its distinct circuit and stunning backdrop along the Caspian Sea. The Hermann Tilke-designed Baku City Circuit spans 3.7 miles and features a mix of tight corners, a 1.3-mile straight, and a picturesque section through Baku’s historic center.
Unrivaled Circuit Features
Baku’s track combines elements of Monaco’s street maze and Monza’s long straights and heavy braking zones. Drivers face a colossal challenge, shifting gears 64 times—more than any other circuit on the calendar.
- Track Length: 3.7 miles
- Number of Gears Shifted: 64
- Downforce Levels: Among the lowest of the season
- Tire Compounds: Pirelli’s C3, C4, and C5
- Braking Zones: Numerous zones over 2 g
Weather and Tire Strategy
This weekend’s weather forecast predicts fine conditions with peak temperatures around 80°F for both the qualifying session on Saturday and the race on Sunday. Teams will focus on optimizing tire performance, which is particularly challenging at Baku due to the absence of high-speed corners that generate significant tire energy.
Practice Session Highlights
The practice session on Friday saw drama with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Williams’ rookie Franco Colapinto crashing, putting pressure on their respective teams to get the cars ready for qualifying.
Championship Standings and Predictions
The current standings in the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships intensify the competition as the season progresses:
Drivers’ Championship
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing): 303 points
- Lando Norris (McLaren): 241 points
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): 217 points
Constructors’ Championship
- Red Bull Racing: 446 points
- McLaren: 438 points
- Ferrari: 407 points
Previous Winner
Sergio Perez, driving for Red Bull, claimed victory in last year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, adding another layer of intrigue to this year’s event.
Conclusion
The Baku City Circuit offers a unique mix of technical challenges and breathtaking scenery, making it a highlight of the season for both drivers and fans. With unpredictable elements and a close battle in the championship standings, this weekend’s race is one not to be missed.
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Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
