Azerbaijan Grand Prix

The Baku Street Circuit is one of a handful of street circuits on the F1 calender.

It is perhaps best known for the ancient wall that runs along the left hand side of the track between turns 8 and 12; there is nothing like it on any other circuit, although there is only one stand that provides a view of this part of the track.

On the other side of that wall is the old city which is completely surrounded by the track. There are plenty of shops and dining establishments along with the 1300+ year old Maiden Tower.

The city of Baku is full of character and surprises and at night, many of the skyscrapers are lit up magnificently. Taxis are cheap, Uber is available and you can rent bikes and scooters on the promenade. And while the city around the track is well presented, if you go further out you get a rather more basic view of life in Azerbaijan.

The two main F1 hotels are the JW Marriot at the eastern end of the paddock and the Hilton at the western end. Most of the drivers stay at one of these two hotels so if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of them, book a room there or wait out the front pre and post the day’s action.

If you’re looking for something a little less expensive, I can recommend both the Boulevarde and Intourist Hotels, and I recollect having the best pizza of 2021 at Scalini Restaurant on Sardar Fashion Avenue.