Modifications for the Grand Prix of Baku
The 2021 edition of Baku was spectacular, notably due to a late red flag caused by Max Verstappen's puncture on the start/finish straight. This year, the circuit underwent some changes.
Second urban circuit in two weeks for Formula 1. The weekend of June 10-12 will be animated by the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, on the calendar since 2016. This atypical urban layout consists of a very fast section alternating straight lines and 90° turns, while the other part in the old town is extremely slow and twisty.
After Max Verstappen’s accident following a puncture in the long straight of the start-finish line at a very high speed, the circuit manager Arif Rahimov has decided to make slight modifications to the circuit: « We will modify the pit entry. The layout itself will not change, but the wall opposite the last corner will be rearranged to better protect the drivers in case of a crash in that area. From the beginning, we have also been adjusting the size of the bumps, especially at the entrance to the narrow section leading to the old town. With the 2022 F1 cars, we will see how things play out and we are ready to adapt if necessary. »
Pirelli should also reconsider its tire choice after the 2021 edition saw two significant high-speed punctures, the first from Lance Stroll and the second from Max Verstappen, resulting in a red flag after a terrible accident. The Grand Prix will be held from June 10th to 12th.
