In anticipation of the racing spectacle in Baku
Very soon Baku will once again become the center of world motorsport.
The capital of Azerbaijan is hosting the anniversary round of Formula 1, and as the race weekend approaches, the city is gradually changing its usual rhythm: elements of the track are appearing in the streets, and the infrastructure is being updated. Ahead lies a special race that will become another chapter in the history of Formula 1 on the streets of Baku. It is also special because it will be the tenth, anniversary Grand Prix on the streets of the capital.
ARZU HUSEYNOVA
PRESS SECRETARY OF BAKU CITY CIRCUIT
This year is truly special, because, as you know, 2026 is the year in which Baku holds the status of the world's sports capital. In this regard, we are preparing to mark this year in a special way. Of course, among city tracks, the Baku City Circuit holds a special place. Its difficult corners are a test for Formula 1 teams. Every year the teams come here to pass this test, and every year the so-called "Baku syndrome" arises: practically every season a new winner appears here.
The more popular the Baku race becomes, the more it contributes to the development of tourism. As a major sporting event, Formula 1 is considered one of the most famous sports series in the world. Its audience numbers more than 500 million fans, and on social media this figure reaches hundreds of millions of followers and viewers. The representatives of international media arriving in Azerbaijan not only cover Formula 1, but also create for us an excellent opportunity to showcase Baku and Azerbaijan, to acquaint the global audience with the culture of our city, its architecture and its landmarks.
The Baku track is one of the most unusual circuits of the premier racing series. It combines a very long straight, narrow city streets and slow corners. It was designed by the German architect Hermann Tilke. The track runs counterclockwise. While driving along the circuit, Icherisheher, the architectural monuments of Baku and the coastal part of the Caspian are visible.
SUBHAN MAMMADZADE
MANAGER OF THE FACILITY HANDOVER DEPARTMENT
If we consider the Baku track from the point of view of the team that handles its installation, it is necessary to take into account that this is a city circuit. All the installation work has to be carried out on ordinary days, when the city continues to function. This, in turn, requires various special solutions — both in terms of safety and in terms of organizing and regulating traffic.
According to Subhan Mammadzade, manager of the facility (race track) handover department, if the Baku track is compared with other city circuits, its installation is more complicated. In the first years, the installation took about two months. However, over the past three years it has nevertheless been possible to reduce this period to approximately five weeks. This is the result of the accumulated experience of joint work of both the team itself and the contracting companies.
During the race itself, various unpleasant episodes and accidents may occur. Therein lies the inevitable dangerous side of the competition. And this is where the marshals come into play. They monitor safety on the track — they respond to accidents, stopped cars and dangerous situations. These participants in the process work literally a few meters away from the cars, which may rush past at speeds of more than 300 km/h. That is why the training and discipline of the marshals are of enormous importance. Over the period of holding the competitions, Azerbaijan has managed to raise an entire generation of marshals, some of whom even have experience working at races in other countries. Speaking about the race personnel, let us not forget the volunteers either. While the attention of the spectators is fixed on the drivers on the track, work is also in full swing beyond the racing surface. Navigation, assistance to guests, organization of zones — behind many details familiar to the spectator stand the volunteers. They help guests find their way, answer questions and create that very atmosphere of hospitality for which the Azerbaijani round of Formula 1 is famous. They undergo the necessary training course, thus becoming true masters of their craft.
IRANA AKHMEDOVA
HEAD OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT OF BCC
They must know the structure of the event very well. Volunteers must know the various zones and the location of facilities. Any guest may ask a question: for example, how to get to their grandstand or where a particular point is located. The volunteer must provide effective and correct information. That is precisely why good knowledge is necessary.
Based on everything that has been said, of course, one also wants to talk about the race itself. Since its very first season, the Baku race has been famous for its unexpected results. In previous years there have been accidents, technical problems and unexpected winners here, which is why the race is often called one of the most unpredictable. It is enough to recall the first winner of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Daniel Ricciardo. That was in 2017. He managed to crash his car in qualifying, and subsequently turned out to be faster than all of his rivals.
The Baku races have also had their own distinctive symbols of the seasons. In 2019 it was the infamous drain cover that George Russell drove over. And last year the Baku race made famous an ordinary Baku street cat, which within 24 hours turned into a genuine internet sensation.
Will there be an interesting element to the competition this year? Time will tell. Along with the race, spectators in Baku are also awaiting performances by world pop stars — Calvin Harris and Katy Perry. The question of the winner is also quite interesting. Will the current leader of the overall standings, Kimi Antonelli, be able to win the race? Or will the track finally yield to Charles Leclerc, who, having put together a successful qualifying session, has still been unable to hold on to first place in the final races. All this will be shown by the final race, which will take place on September 26. The anniversary Azerbaijan Grand Prix is already very close. Ahead lie speed, competition, emotions and those very moments for which it is impossible not to love Formula 1. In a word, another fascinating story awaits us.
EMIN AKHMEDOV
