EXPLAINER - What makes it the world’s fastest sport, and why Baku is stealing the spotlight

From the deserts of Qatar to the casinos of Monaco, Formula 1 has become a passport to global prestige. But among the lights and legends, Baku has claimed a special place, where speed meets chaos, and the championship can change in a single corner.

Formula 1 isn’t just about speed, it’s a global spectacle of precision engineering, elite competition, and strategic drama. But as the calendar grows and circuits come and go, one city has carved out a reputation for chaos, character, and championship-shaking moments: Baku.

What is Formula 1?

Formula 1 (F1) is the highest class of international single-seater racing, governed by the FIA. Since its inaugural season in 1950, it has grown into the most prestigious motorsport competition in the world.

With 20 drivers representing 10 teams, F1 races are called Grands Prix and are staged across a globe-spanning calendar. Points are awarded to top finishers at each race, with drivers chasing the Drivers’ Championship and teams targeting the Constructors’ title.

F1 is a sport of extremes — where tyres are changed in under two seconds, cars reach speeds of 370 km/h, and drivers endure up to 5G in corners.

Why is it called “Formula” 1?

“Formula” refers to the set of strict technical rules all teams must follow — from engine types to aerodynamic restrictions. The “1” signifies that it is the top tier of formula racing.

How does a Formula 1 weekend work?

A standard race weekend unfolds over three days:

• Friday: Free Practice sessions (FP1 & FP2)
• Saturday: Final Practice (FP3) and Qualifying
• Sunday: The Grand Prix, typically lasting between 1.5 to 2 hours, covering at least 305km

Some weekends include an additional F1 Sprint, a short race offering extra points and a shakeup of the usual format.

How do F1 cars work?

Modern F1 cars are hybrid machines, combining:

• A 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged internal combustion engine
• Advanced energy recovery systems (ERS) that store and deploy power from braking and heat
• Over 1,000 horsepower on average
• Designed with ground-effect aerodynamics that suck the car to the track

Currently, all cars run on E10 fuel (90% petrol, 10% renewable ethanol), but in 2026, the sport will shift to 100% sustainable fuel, marking a major environmental milestone.

Where does Formula 1 race?

The 2025 season features a record 24 races across 21 countries and 5 continents. Here’s a snapshot of its global reach:

Europe – Tradition and prestige

Monaco: The crown jewel of glamour and history

• Silverstone (UK): The birthplace of F1 and home to packed grandstands
• Monza (Italy): Known as the “Temple of Speed” for a reason
• Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium): A high-speed, high-risk classic

North America – Growth and glitz

• Las Vegas: A neon-lit night race through The Strip
• Miami: Mixing racing with celebrity culture
• Austin (Texas): A technical, fan-friendly layout with a strong U.S. following
• Canada (Montreal): A street circuit on an island — and a driver favourite

Middle East – Modern powerhouses

Bahrain: Hosts the season opener under floodlights

• Saudi Arabia (Jeddah): One of the fastest street tracks in the world
• Qatar: A permanent night race in the desert
• Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina): The glittering season finale

Asia & Oceania – Comebacks and future focus

• Japan (Suzuka): A technical marvel adored by drivers
• Singapore: The original night race, humid and demanding
• China (Shanghai): Rejoining the calendar with a fresh layout
• Australia (Melbourne): A beloved opener now moved later in the season

Amidst this global rotation, Baku has quickly become one of the most talked-about stops on the Formula 1 calendar, and with good reason.

A track like no other

Since its debut in 2016, the Baku City Circuit has become famous for:

• The longest straight in F1 at 2.2km, reaching 350 km/h+
• The tightest corner on the calendar, just 7.6m wide past Baku’s Old City walls
• Its combination of medieval architecture and modern skyline, creating one of the most visually arresting races of the year

Unpredictability is the norm

Baku’s races are known for being chaotic, dramatic, and unforgettable:

• 2017: A clash between Hamilton and Vettel, three safety cars, and a surprise win for Ricciardo
• 2021: Verstappen crashes from the lead, Hamilton runs off track, Pérez wins
• 2024: Piastri takes a shock victory after a late red flag shuffle

In Baku, nothing is certain until the final lap.

Spotlight: 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

The next Baku race takes place from September 19–21, 2025, as Round 17 of the championship.

Key details:

• Friday: Free Practice
• Saturday: Qualifying
• Sunday: Race start at 15:00 local time (UTC+4)

Baku comes after Monza and before Singapore, placing it at a crucial turning point in the title fight.

What’s new this year?

• Music acts: Superstar DJs Martin Garrix and Anyma will perform
• Festival vibe: Fan zones, concerts, and full-city engagement
• High-stakes action: With Hamilton at Ferrari and Verstappen under pressure, this could be a championship-defining weekend

“Baku has become the wild card. You can’t predict it — and that’s why fans love it,” one F1 analyst said recently.

Did you know?

• Baku is the second-longest circuit after Belgium’s Spa
• The venue blends coastal views with ancient fortress walls
• No driver has ever won Baku more than once — a true sign of unpredictability

Final takeaway

Formula 1 is more than just racing, it’s a global phenomenon. But nowhere mixes risk, reward, and raw drama quite like Baku. As the sport races into new frontiers, this Caspian gem continues to shine brighter with every season.

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