In Formula 1, which city hosts the dramatic street race in Azerbaijan?
VerifiedAnswer: Baku
Explanation:
Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, hosts one of Formula 1's most thrilling and challenging street races. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix takes place on the Baku City Circuit, which winds through the historic streets of this ancient city on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
The race has been part of the Formula 1 calendar since 2016, initially called the European Grand Prix before becoming the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2017. What makes this street circuit truly spectacular is its unique combination of narrow medieval streets and wide-open sections that create dramatic racing opportunities. The circuit runs alongside Baku's historic Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing a stunning backdrop of ancient walls and modern architecture.
The Baku City Circuit is famous for having the longest straight in Formula 1, stretching over 2 kilometers along the seafront. This creates incredible overtaking opportunities and allows cars to reach speeds of over 350 km/h before braking hard for Turn 1. The contrast between these high-speed sections and the tight, technical parts of the track makes it one of the most challenging circuits for drivers to master.
The race has delivered some of the most memorable moments in recent Formula 1 history. The narrow section through Turn 8, known as the castle section, is particularly treacherous, with barriers just centimeters away from the cars. This has led to several dramatic crashes and safety car periods that have completely changed race outcomes. The unpredictable nature of the circuit often produces surprise winners and championship-defining moments.
