Azerbaijan Grand Prix: How Long is the F1 Straight at Baku?

In two weeks’ time, the F1 community will trade one street circuit for another. Drivers and team will leave behind Monaco for the Baku Street Circuit, though Baku is a lot wider than the Monte Carlo circuit. The circuit made its debut in 2016 as the European Grand Prix before being renamed the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

One of the most prominent features of the 6-KM circuit is its 2.2-KM straight. This is a part of the circuit that is perfect for long DRS and slipstream battles. To be perfectly honest, there will be an interesting dogfight between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. The Briton won the 2018 edition of the race while the Red Bull driver is yet to reach the top step.

Admittedly, Hamilton’s win was a spot of luck, because race leader Valtteri Bottas picked up a late puncture. Now, the British driver will be keen to win on his own terms. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen will want to stamp his authority after his Monaco win.

How many DRS zones are there for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?

Contrary to popular belief, the main straight is not the only DRS zone on the race track. There is a second zone after Turn 2, which is less than half the length of the main straight. Nevertheless, it still counts as a DRS zone and there can be plenty of overtaking chances. Furthermore, there are other sections of the track that are quite tricky.

This includes the infamous castle section where it is very easy to crash. As it turns out, there is a massive kink on the track, which is extremely tight, and the drivers have to be inch perfect to successfully navigate it. That section is quite unforgiving, and Charles Leclerc is one of the few drivers to acquaint himself with it.

For now, the Monegasque driver will be another person with a point to prove next weekend. He knows that he should have won on home soil, had a driveshaft failure not ruled him out. So this time, it is time for redemption for the young Ferrari driver at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

READ MORE: Why Ricciardo feels Sergio Perez Is An Inspiration At Baku?

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