Azerbaijan GP FP1 halted as kerb problems resurface at Baku. FP1 at the Baku Grand Prix was interrupted due to kerb damage.

Baku, FP1 interrupted due to kerb issues: an old problem resurfaces

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend got off to an unexpected start as an old issue re-emerged: the kerbs. The first free practice session was halted due to damage detected on one of the street circuit’s kerbs, forcing officials to suspend on-track activities for safety reasons.

This is not the first time the Baku circuit has faced such challenges. Back in 2016, during its Formula 1 debut, Race Director Charlie Whiting personally inspected the kerbs after several tyres were damaged during FP1, sparking controversy and concerns over the safety of the Azerbaijani layout.

Today’s incident underscores the tricky nature of Baku, a circuit unlike any other, blending long straights with extremely narrow sections between the walls. On a track where precision is essential, kerbs become a crucial factor for performance but simultaneously pose a real risk to car stability and tyre integrity.

Organizers acted swiftly to restore track conditions and allow sessions to resume. Nevertheless, the debate remains: how well do Baku’s kerbs truly balance spectacle and safety?