Baku City Circuit: F1’s newest street thriller where speed meets skyline

Baku may feel like a long-standing part of the Formula 1 calendar, but it's actually the newest street circuit to join the lineup, alongside iconic tracks like Monaco, Melbourne, and Singapore. Its unique layout combines tight, twisting corners through the old city with one of the longest straights in F1, creating a dramatic mix of technical precision and high-speed action. The city made its Formula 1 debut in 2016 under the title of the European Grand Prix. A year later, it was officially rebranded as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The 2017 edition proved to be one of the most unpredictable and dramatic races of the season. In a chaotic contest filled with crashes, penalties, and on-track drama, it was Daniel Ricciardo who emerged victorious.

The Red Bull driver carved his way through the field to take an unlikely win, followed by Valtteri Bottas in second, and rookie Lance Stroll securing a shock podium for Williams in third. Meanwhile, the race also made headlines for the fiery clash between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, who had a tense exchange behind the Safety Car. Baku quickly cemented its reputation as a track where anything can happen — and often does.

The Baku City Circuit offers a thrilling mix of contrasts, combining wide, open straights with tight, twisty corners that weave through the heart of Azerbaijan’s capital. The standout feature is the incredibly long main straight running along the city’s shoreline — a slipstreaming hotspot where cars regularly run three-abreast into Turn 1, delivering high-speed drama more reminiscent of IndyCar than Formula 1. But the track quickly transforms as it loops into the narrow streets of Baku’s old town, Icheri Sheher, winding past medieval city walls in a section that demands absolute precision. Much like Monaco, even the smallest mistake in this unforgiving sector can have serious consequences.

From a technical standpoint, the Baku circuit poses a major setup dilemma. Teams must balance the need for downforce through the twisty middle sector with the need to reduce drag for top speed along the main straight. It’s a test of both engineering and driver skill — and a big reason why this race is so unpredictable.

As with any street circuit, spectating in Baku brings you close to the action. The city itself is vibrant and welcoming, with food deeply rooted in local culture — blending Turkish, Persian, and Middle Eastern influences. For the best views, the Absheron Grandstand at the end of the main straight is ideal, offering a front-row seat to overtaking at Turn 1 as cars brake hard from over 350 km/h. Meanwhile, the Icheri Sheher Grandstand provides a unique perspective of F1 cars dancing through Baku’s ancient city gate section.