Azerbaijan Grand Prix

The Baku Street Circuit is one of the longest street circuits on the F1 calendar.

It is perhaps best known for the ancient wall that runs along the left-hand side of the track between turns 8 and 12; there is nothing like it at any other circuit. On the other side of that wall is the old city which is almost surrounded by the track. There are plenty of shops and dining establishments inside, along with the 1300+ year old Maiden Tower.

It is also known for the longest “straight” (it has a couple of slight bends) which results in plenty of action at turn 1 when the cars brake heavily before turning left.

The city of Baku is full of character and surprises, and at night many of the skyscrapers are lit up magnificently. Taxis are cheap, Uber is available and you can rent bikes and scooters on the promenade. And while the city around the track is well presented, if you go further out you get a rather more basic view of life in Azerbaijan.

The two main F1 hotels are the JW Marriot at the eastern end of the paddock and the Hilton at the western end. Most of the drivers stay at one of these two hotels so if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of them, book a room there (if you can find one) or wait out the front before and after the day’s action.

If you’re looking for something a little less expensive, I can recommend both the Boulevarde and Intourist Hotels, and I recollect having the best pizza of 2021 at Scalini Restaurant on Sardar Fashion Avenue.