Baku’s odd juxtaposition of an extremely long start-finish straight and a more traditional street circuit layout make it a unique addition to the F1 calendar.
Windsor highlights Turn 1, where drivers brake from speeds of more than 230mph, as “by far the most interesting part of the lap. It’s approached at such high speed and it narrows on exit, it’s very deceiving for drivers,” says Windsor. “The tyres and brakes may be a little cooler than they should be because of that long straight. If it’s a restart, you’re really in trouble there. That’s what made Daniel Ricciardo’s pass on the two Williams at the second start last year so impressive.
“The other point to remember here is there will be a lot of lift and coast, it’s pretty tough on fuel, so the drivers will be backing off to save fuel into the braking area. It will define the final third of the race.” – he explains.
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