This weekend, the streets of Baku set the stage for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. For this seventh edition, the track has undergone partial modifications. Primarily, the DRS zone has been adjusted to enhance overtaking opportunities. Last year, when the DRS zone was shortened, several drivers complained about limited overtaking possibilities. For the upcoming weekend, the DRS zone has been slightly extended.
The DRS zone on the long straight stretch of the Baku City Circuit has been extended by 100 meters. Last year, drivers had to continue for 447 meters after the last turn before they could use DRS. This weekend, they can activate it after just 347 meters. A similar change was made during the Italian Grand Prix; in Monza, the DRS zone on the straight stretch was extended by 103 meters.
Minor Changes to the Circuit
There have been few major changes to the circuit. Additional asphalt has been added to the exit of the pit lane and between several turns, including the stretch between turns seven and eight. This is one of the narrowest stretches of asphalt on the entire Formula 1 calendar.
Criticism from the Drivers
In essence, the DRS zone in Baku has been returned to its original state; in 2023, it was shortened compared to previous years. This led to criticism from the drivers, who compared the Azerbaijan GP to a procession. “I don’t know why they made the DRS zone shorter, we could always race so well here,” said Lewis Hamilton after the last edition. Lando Norris stated at the time that it was ‘almost impossible to overtake.’
