After the Italian Grand Prix, the 2024 Formula 1 season continues to captivate fans around the globe as the circus heads to the picturesque yet challenging Baku City Circuit for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Set to take place over 51 laps of the 6.003-kilometre street circuit on Sunday, September 15, this event promises high-speed action and strategic drama typical of urban racing.

The Baku City Circuit is renowned for its unique combination of tight corners and long, high-speed straights. Located in the heart of Azerbaijan’s capital, the track weaves its way through the historic city center, along the picturesque Caspian Sea waterfront, and past iconic landmarks like the Maiden Tower and the Flame Towers. The circuit’s layout features 20 turns, with the narrowest point, at just 7.6 meters wide, challenging even the most skilled drivers. The main straight, meanwhile, is one of the longest in Formula 1, offering plenty of opportunities for overtaking and thrilling high-speed duels.

Unlike some race weekends that feature the Sprint format, the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix follows the traditional race weekend schedule. This format includes three practice sessions, a qualifying session, and the main race, allowing teams and drivers ample time to fine-tune their setups and strategies for the unique demands of the Baku circuit.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, September 13, with two practice sessions. The first Free Practice (FP1) session starts in the morning, giving teams their initial opportunity to gather data and get a feel for the track conditions. Later in the day, the second Free Practice (FP2) session provides further track time, crucial for making necessary adjustments and perfecting race strategies.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has a history of unpredictable and exciting races, with past events featuring dramatic overtakes, safety car interventions, and surprise podium finishes. The 2024 edition is expected to be no different, as teams and drivers push the limits to secure vital championship points.