As one of the newest street circuits in F1®, Baku might not have the pedigree of some of the other circuits, but it more than makes up for that with a varied layout offering a unique set of challenges. There’s no room for mistakes at Baku and it’s essential that Team Principals equip their drivers with the right setup and strategy for success.
A safety car on lap 11 has given Aston Martin a strategic dilemma. Should Alonso pit under the safety car while he has the chance, even with so many laps left? Or should he stay out and hope for another opportunity to get onto that podium?
Suggested car setup for the Baku City Circuit:
- Top speed, DRS, and low speed cornering are crucial
- Long straights to overtake
- Power circuit
With its long, speed-gathering straights and almost right-angle tight turns, the safety car will likely appear at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
- Cars with a high top-speed and good low-speed cornering have a clear advantage at Baku. It’s not a circuit that favours generalist vehicle setups.
- With Baku’s long straights, there are many opportunities for a DRS-powered overtake. Aggressive drivers will be able to climb the grid.
- You will likely only stop once, so opening on softs can help you rise up the grid to create a lead that you can maintain with medium tyres.