Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2024 – Race Schedule, Current Condition, Rising Tension, Fineness of Baku, and Standings

The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2024 will occur on 15 September at the Baku City Circuit. This year’s race marks a notable season shift as it will happen in September for the first time.

The organizers decided to move from a standard spring schedule because this metamorphosis will optimize the race calendar and make it more efficient. The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2024, as always, will feature a few fundamental sessions:

Unique Track & Community Related Upgrades

The Baku City Circuit has an exceptional blend of long straights and tight corners that provide an opportunity to see high-speed racing. However, the circuit features thin sections that require exceptional preciseness, so a driver must think twice if he does not want to make a costly error.

The racing track has not undergone any significant modifications, as the layout stays the same. It consists of a few particularly tight corners in the old town area and the long main straight along the Baku shoreline. Yet, it is worth noting that the leading organizers have concentrated on enhancing the overall fan experience. Advancements to grandstands and refined sections for people with disabilities will provide a more comfortable and pleasant experience.

Specifications, Design & Major Challenges

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix venue follows an anti-clockwise direction and is the fourth-longest track, with a circuit length of 6.003 km. The F1 drivers must complete 51 laps and overcome a total distance of 306.049 km. A record for the fastest lap in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix belongs to Charles Leclerc. In 2019, the current record holder completed one race lap in 1:43.009.

Mentioning the design process of the Baku City Circuit, Hermann Tilke was the leading architect of one of the most stunning racing locations in the world. Nevertheless, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix does not leave much room for error, so each driver must be even more prepared. The combination of broad sections, tight corners, walls close to the track, and lack of run-off areas increase the difficulty index of this racing track.

Current Case & Expectancy of a Miracle

The warfare for the F1 crown is getting edgier, but Max Verstappen still holds the number one spot. The current and three-time Formula 1 champion has 303 points but has only generated 66 in the past five races. McLaren’s driver and his grandest rival, Lando Norris, collected 85 points in the same period and is creeping closer with each competition.

The F1 legend and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton acknowledges that it would be more beneficial for the organization if the battle for the Formula 1 title would go down to the wire. There are quite a few prospects who can write a story for the history books, but only time will answer the most anticipated questions.

Rising Tension, Unlucky Ferrari & Intriguing Finish

Last year, the difference between first and second places in the standings was 451 points. In 2024, the battle for the leading spot is way different, and even though the Red Bull team still holds the highest position – the combat will be tense until the very end.

This time around, McLaren raised the quality levels and is currently sitting in the second position. The deficit of 8 points is nothing, and the possibility of succeeding is relatively high. Ferrari, as always, occupies that third place, but it is unreal for them to outperform the Red Bull and McLaren.

They will have to put on a show if they consider it feasible, and the element that should frustrate them the most right now is the total amount of points. If last year they finished with 406 points and Ferrari needed only four to overtake the second-placed Mercedes – now they have 407 and need way more to even think about a possible second-place finish.

All teams will throw everything they have on the table, but only one will be the ultimate winner. Luckily for us, in this year’s journey, we have way more competitors with at least a few hidden trump cards, making this Formula 1 season exceptionally outlandish and daunting.

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