The highly anticipated 2024 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix begins today in Baku, with races scheduled to take place from September 13 to 15 on the city’s renowned street circuit. This will be the eighth time the capital of Azerbaijan has hosted this prestigious global motorsport event, further reinforcing the country’s standing on the international sporting stage.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the fourth race in the 2024 Formula 1 season following the events in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, is expected to be one of the season’s highlights. It is part of the 24-race calendar approved by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council for the current year.
In a bid to improve logistics and efficiency, the 2024 Formula 1 calendar has undergone significant adjustments. Notably, the Japanese Grand Prix was moved to April, while the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was rescheduled to September. These changes are designed to streamline race operations and reduce the workload on the participating teams.
The 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will see 10 teams and 20 drivers compete on one of the fastest street circuits in the world. Baku’s city circuit, designed by renowned engineer and designer Hermann Tilke, stretches over six kilometers, with drivers reaching speeds of up to 370 km/h on its longest straight. The race will conclude on September 15, and will be a critical milestone in the fight for the 2024 championship title.
This year’s event has seen unprecedented interest, with tickets selling out well in advance. In response to the high demand, the organizers have increased the number of grandstands from eight to ten, raising the overall seating capacity by 35% compared to last year.
Discussions to host Formula 1 in Baku began in 2013, with the first contract being signed in March 2014. Since then, the Baku Grand Prix has become a permanent feature in the global Formula 1 calendar. Azerbaijan remains the only country in the post-Soviet space to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, cementing its position as a key player in the world of motorsport.