Why Baku is THE BEST street circuit

[@omareyvazov53]

As someone from Azerbaijan, seeing the place and the streets I grew up in get so many praises makes me so happy

[@sebastianhunter8766]

Your country is very beautiful hope to go there some day

[@stevesquad7110]

Don’t know much about tour country, yet the circuit is awesome

[@khalidqureshi3168]

Would be interesting to see which driver latifi will favour on this track, he has tons of opportunities to showcase his talent of changing race winners

[@robotmafia000]

King Latifi 👑😂😂😂😂

[@projectjt3149]

PLEASE don't let that be Checo. Perez practically gets a free podium in Baku

[@KG-ck9hb]

lmao

[@zainhaq]

CHECO

[@TheABelGuitar]

Ferrari absolutely needs one this week after the disasters at Barcelona and Monaco. Please.. I pray to you Goatifi.. please screw the Red Bulls this weekend. Amen.

[@lhardingham9014]

went to Baku 2017. It has grown on me. There is always a perfect balance of great racing, crashes and strategy. It is a very beautiful area around the circuit too.

[@JoseRodriguez-ey7ju]

Azerbaijan is a beautiful country

[@mazdaroadster-mx5]

Picked a crazy dramatic year to go eh haha

[@lhardingham9014]

I spent the whole race stood up looking around like a meerkat haha.

[@ralffe3465]

I agree with that 100%. Circuit Gillies Villeneuve I consider a hybrid more than a proper street circuit. After Sepang was dropped from the calendar, Baku has been the only circuit I look forward to. It is the Jewel of F1 for me.

[@matception]

I live in Montreal and I can confirm that the circuit is basically a permanent circuit open to cyclists. It's on a seperate island to the city, there's nothing else there apart form the casino

[@AndrewGeierMelons]

100%, Montréal's island circuit, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is absolutely not a city circuit. Anyone thinking that it is a city circuit has never seen the Montréal Circuit in person and therefore, never been able to compare to a real city circuit. I drove the track during the winter, when the snowbanks were over the wing mirrors, but there were no leaves on any of the trees. It feels like a forest. It's 100% a very good track, and while there are some walls, it's to keep the cars out of the swamps on the side of the track.

[@chickenindabox3169]

@@AndrewGeierMelons it might not be a street circuit per Definition, but it shares a lot of aspects of all street circuits with it's barriers close to the track and the tight corners

[@username8878]

I did not even realise it Australia and Canada were street circuits until quite recently

[@unclecousin5782]

the long straight makes it very interesting. however that’s a hot take only looking forward to baku. on my list, it’d be monza, spa, montreal, silverstone, and austin

[@ricardoduarte8709]

If Baku's layout and history (since 2016) were to be in a more "trendy" country, it would be a jewel for everyone, change my mind. Baku 9.9/10 great races every time

[@oonmm]

I don't like Baku because of the city it is in, and I don't like the city because of the country it's in, and I don't like the country because of which part of the world it's in. You are right.

[@Amikorankafernogra]

This is stereotypical thinking

[@TheABelGuitar]

@@oonmm I can see that reasoning with Saudi or Qatar, but I can’t put Azerbaijan on the same level. Disliking a track just because it’s located in a certain part of the world is kinda ridiculous. Do you dislike Istanbul Park because of its vicinity to the Middle East?

[@JN-wr9he]

@@oonmm your words say more about you than about that part of the world/country/city/track

[@ihavewaited90daystochangem51]

@@oonmm so you don't like baku because you're racist lmao, that's pathetic.

[@AugustinUndertakerSdmn38]

Honestly, the Baku City Circuit is one of my favourites street circuits and I love this very long 2.2 km straight from T16 to the braking zone of the first corner and the castle section is the most iconic places and corners in F1 history and I would say that Baku is not only my favourite street circuit on the calendar and also the Azerbaijan GP is my favourite race on the season but the Baku and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is my favourite Grand Prix and my favourite street circuit in Formula 1 history way ahead of the legendary Circuit de Monaco.

[@TheABelGuitar]

I love the castle section because of how tight it is and how precise you have to be, but I still think I like Singapore more when it comes to hot laps. The Anderson bridge section is so quick and requires such finesse. The clip of Leclerc’s pole lap there in 2019 where he catches huge oversteer 3 times, including onto the bridge and somehow snaps it back every single time was what 100% locked me in as a fan of his. Easily the most impressive lap of his career.

[@soledieairvideos5974]

Baku is easily my favorite race on the calendar. The scenery on it’s own is a 9.5/10. Also it’s an incredibly challenging track without being impossible to actually race like Monaco. I’ve played F1 2020 on Baku so many times and clipped the front wing most of the times, but it’s still so fun to drive.

[@louKushh]

guess you like looking at sand, huh?

[@JN-wr9he]

@@louKushh you obviously haven’t been

[@APAT04]

I also believe that it's one of the best street circuits

[@MadeByPerspective]

👑

[@eggselent9814]

Its great, although Adelaide was better

[@TheABelGuitar]

@@eggselent9814 lmfao no. Adelaide has nothing on Baku.. especially with today’s cars. Adelaide today would be just as bad as Monaco. Procession from start to finish.

[@eggselent9814]

@@TheABelGuitar yeah obviously. But its the cars problem not the tracks. With the old cars Adelaide was the greatest street track and season finale in F1 history

[@tpf1ferrari]

I also like Singapore, we had some good races there (the controversial 2008, 2010 - a very close finish), 2013 Raikkonen's pass on Button, 2016 Raikkonen's pass on Hamilton, 2017 shunt and rain). However, I've been to Baku and have to agree with you - a great circuit indeed!

[@minecraftveteran7410]

there is also debatably the greatest pole lap in Formula 1 history, in 2018 (don't remember who set it though).

[@tpf1ferrari]

@@minecraftveteran7410 Agree, both the 2008 and 2018 pole laps were fantastic for me - true speed, commitment while demolishing the competition by a large margin.

[@tpf1ferrari]

@windfall It was, an unfortunate weekend for both Ferraris and Verstappen, best result for Palmer. A good duel between Massa and Magnussen too.

[@randomclonetrooper1]

@@minecraftveteran7410 I think it was set by Hamilton

[@soundscape26]

Canada and Australia are definitely hybrid circuits. That said, Baku is easily the best street circuit, it offers the kind of variety neither Monaco, Singapore (boring as hell) or Jeddah offer. There's always something special happening in the races there... hope I'm not jinxing it for sunday.

[@TheABelGuitar]

Baku just offers by far the most overtaking opportunities of any street circuit. I love how technical Singapore is but it historically hasn’t made for good racing and I still have a sour taste in my mouth from when Ferrari screwed Charles out of a 3rd straight win there in 2019. Monaco is a joke and either badly needs to extend the circuit or just go away completely. Jeddah would be overwhelmingly loved if it were located almost anywhere else in the world.. and it’s only temporary as Saudi is constructing a permanent facility longer than Spa in Qiddyia that runs through a Six Flags park and a bunch of resorts. It’s being built into a cul de sac-like valley surrounded by huge plateaus and has a wild proposed layout with stuff like glass bottom pools over the racing surface. Qatar is also replacing their permanent facility with a street course for 2023 but the layout hasn’t been confirmed. Vegas will be a true street track, but the layout is so disappointing. It’s like Baku but without any elevation change and no technical section.

[@soundscape26]

@@TheABelGuitar Singapore is always reliant on the inevitable SC entrance to bunch up the cars at the later stages of the race. In fact I don't think there was a single race SC-free there yet. And it often clocks at nearly 2 hours... even visually the race is quite dull.

[@josiahboatengmyrie]

Singapore isn’t boring it’s just long

[@PaulSmith-dy5wi]

Well done, Baku

[@MadeByPerspective]

👏🏽

[@jessie7011]

Absolutely my favourite track from the calendar. It’s an unforgiving track that always brings exciting racing.

[@harrybedford587]

Baku is the best street circuit now. Back in the day I really rate Adelaide until it got removed in 96. Always loved a good championship finale there!!

[@endreszentgyorgyi5270]

Totally agree. You can create a good track anywhere, this is a prime example of that.

[@shalemjackson9322]

I love Baku and agree with everything you just said. Also my second favourite right now is the Jeddah Circuit. That track brings the best out of the drivers and the cars.

[@bdc96]

ALWAYS loved Baku

[@giuseppemaggio5894]

Gotta agree. This track is amazing.

[@FordHoard]

I love Baku because it reminds me of the old Phoenix street circuit in 1989 through 1991. I did so many laps around there on the first rFactor using the mods of those seasons.

[@mrbungle3310]

Totally agree,from 5 races 3 bangers,2 all time classics

[@camrom88]

Yessss I love this circuit! Easily a modern classic track

[@AlayMansurov]

For me, who was born in Baku and live abroad now and who is in Baku this weekend for the race, it is very pleasant to hear all this info

[@AndyKazama2]

Great circuit to watch, and a great circuit to play in F1 games. The castle section is always incredibly fun to drive.

[@krishivmehra]

This is going to be my first Baku gp, hopefully it lives upto the hype

[@danielgyila3662]

My favourite circuit in general, amazing one

[@mosura.rmnv.]

Baku is one of the best street circuit in f1 history. Always full of suprises

[@dmurphy1578]

I can’t imagine driving this for real. Even in a video game it’s wild.

[@n3xt214]

Baku is great replacement for monaco. I already growing for baku since it's introduced. The track have interesting turn like castle section and long straight like monza turn 1

[@AndyCarson8]

Baku's my favorite track to drive and watch 10/10

[@nikolas_navarro]

Man I always see Monaco as a very interesting weekend, especially saturday, obviously. But I always look forward to see how the teams will come up with the strategies.

[@Flowtups]

well all I can say is, I agree.

[@kanan1361]

Baku circuit is definitely my favorite! Last year’s race in Baku was epic!! Thanks for the quality content. You are the best.👍

[@KebunH]

Your thumbnails are always on point man, great design skills 🔥video itself is good too btw lmao

[@MadeByPerspective]

Thank you! Much appreciated 😄

[@tysonngubeni8545]

One of my favourite tracks ☺️🙌

[@TheABelGuitar]

The thing that makes the 90° corners at Baku work is that they’re all approached at different speeds and/or have unique elements to them. Turns 1, 2, and 3 all have vastly different braking points. Turn 4 has the inside kerb extended to force a later apex or more rounded approach. Turn 5 is immediately followed by turn 6 which also has an extended kerb to force a later turn in. Turn 7 has the extended kerb while the track narrows significantly. The castle section is legendary. Turn 15, IMO, is right up there with turn 10 at Bahrain as one of the most difficult corners on the circuit, but with a much higher risk factor. And 16 is probably the most important corner on the entire track because you need to get the throttle down as early as possible to take advantage of that gargantuan main straight. I was skeptical about all the 90° (or very close to 90°) corners too, but every single one is unique, and that’s what I think makes it work.

[@niplbby0073]

Not Baku related, but personally the best street circuit or at least one of the best is Macau. Perhaps this is thanks to "proximity bias" given I live quite close to Macau, but the track has got everything; The long wide straights of Baku which encourage overtaking, followed by a naturally winding section up the hillside giving the track this really old-school feel (the layout hasnt changed since its creation), and lastly the tight bends and hard hairpins of Monaco as you go downhill back towards the bay. The big highlight for me though is the architecture and surrounding views, its all really similar to my home city of Hong Kong and therefore really familiar to me (I make this point cuz I study abroad and don’t go back home often). The track doesnt feel real to some extent, its feels like a fictional track from Gran Turismo and yet its real. Funny too, Ive never actually been to watch the Macau GP in person, and the opportunity for doing so is probably gone now because frankly I don’t think Macau is a very safe place to visit anymore, its a real shame.

[@oliverhardin1413]

Elite track on the game, you have to split the lap in halves to strategize, it’s just the best to twist and turn thru the first half while getting the opportunity for late breaking later in the lap. It’s also super satisfying to nail the castle section in 3rd gear balls to the wall 😂

[@Holoflux]

I didn't even know until recently that Melbourne and Montreal are street circuits, they just look so much like purpose built tracks when they are set up, i almost don't consider them as such With that being said, Baku looks to be a boring track on paper but always delivers

[@danish5332]

also they have much space between the wall and the track which make them not look like a street circuit

[@TheABelGuitar]

@@danish5332 in some areas.. Montreal gets realllly tight exiting turns 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, & 13. There is no gap between the rumble strips and the walls. Melbourne is wayyyy more forgiving than Montreal.

[@dziolex2190]

@@danish5332 *ekhem Kubica crash *ekhem

[@turn1tommy]

I just rewatched your Baku video from last year and now you bless us with this. Amazing stuff mate!

[@feke5987]

It's great that Baku and Canada are back to back this year.

[@iskandartandiono]

Yes, yes, yes! Totally agree. So many 'mind blowing' corners in Baku, simply amazing

[@louKushh]

yeah, 90° corners, amazing!

[@henrychen8755]

Love baku, but if this year so far is a anything to go by, DRS is going to be ridiculously powerful

[@PvMhijden]

Baku is a great track. most of the races there are great for some reason or another. BUT and i know it's impossible but i just wished the 90 degree turns were a bit wider. just so those 90 degree corners could be taken side by side in some area's

[@vasisthakrishnachandrahas1639]

sorry im late for commenting , had college . NICE ONE IN THE BAG PERS . i love baku ,its like monaco : - with speed , space and overtaking

[@ashleylines8381]

baku was the first f1 race i ever watched, it means so much to me that i'm getting it tattoo on my left shoulder blade on the 22nd of july

[@VekEZ8247]

The reasons I love Baku, are the same why I love Long Beach. Huge straights where judging your breaking points is key, and enough twisty turns to keep you on your toes.

[@bahadirhuseynov5744]

as an Azerbaijanian F1 Fan it makes me proud to see this kind of comments by people who I care about the opinion. But on the other side as someone living in baku for 15 years it would be fair to say city planning in Baku is great that i havent seen a traffic for 15 years but as the main road wont be used for a month makes most people dissapointed.

[@geraldsitorus]

I never myself understood the hate that Baku got in the beginning. To me it has a little of spa vibe (combi of straights and technical sections). And it proves to be highly entertaining year after year.

[@BoyFromBelgium99]

I give Baku a solid 8/10. Baku is like the younger modern brother of Monaco and just like Singapore the older brother of Saudi-Arabia, Miami & Las Vegas. Where Monaco shines on Saturday, Baku does on Sunday. Although it isn't that iconic and it had more controversy due to tyre failures, the overtakes are really fun to watch and the races always have some drama. Personally I think tracks like Monaco really get a second shot at success because of Baku because at the time it was something new. Before that, tracks were made like Buddha, India and South Korea which didn't age well. I also think that Baku's success gave the green light to new tracks like Vietnam (which didn't happen sadly), the renewed Zandvoort and the races in Saudi-Arabia, Miami & Las Vegas. Canada & Australia are also hybrids to me. This track really looks like a Formula E track which is funny and iconic when you think about it.

[@LogieT2K]

Baku is definitely a must watch race on the calander, along with spa, silverstone, interlagos ect Im typically not a fan of street circuits, but Baku is the exception that proves the rule for me

[@benhorne9327]

2016 cars just didn't suit Baku. 2017-2021 widebois helped make it look great and there was some carnage in a couple of those races making it even more fun to watch. I hope the 2022 cars will be even better seeing as cars really can follow at the moment

[@billert_bone5663]

Yesterday I was watching your last baku episode and I was like: what did he miss cause 2021 was CRAZY

[@foryoutube9960]

My fav street circuit!

[@npc1826]

Gilles Villeneuve is my fave circuit. I think it's had the best balance in the calendar for a quite a while. Plenty of overtaking oportunities, a couple of interesting corners - slow, mid, high speed; punishing chicanes (wall of champions as well as the one where Vettel and Hamilton had that incident in 2019). Can't wait for the race. Hope it won't disappoint.

[@marcusstrymon693]

Montreal is my fav track of all time.

[@wanr5701]

In the future, I believe every new street circuit will strive to be "the next Baku" instead of "the next Monaco."

[@AndrewGeierMelons]

As long as it's not the next Miami!

[@nathanreynolds6459]

@@AndrewGeierMelons Miami was a good track lol, produced 54 overtakes and a good fight for the win

[@foryoutube9960]

@@AndrewGeierMelons it was better racing than monaco, and monaco had rain

[@s.sarjonmahmud6231]

I love Baku like crazy so fun to race in

[@arslangungil2923]

Don't know if you follow IndyCar, but the Nashville Street Circuit was called the Baku of America. There, the long straight was across a bridge, but it raced and looked similar to Baku.

[@SiVlog1989]

I always thought Valencia was underrated as a street circuit. Although the decision to base the teams in the old America's Cup Port and have the pit and paddock be within the buildings of the old fish market in the city was bizarre and the decision to utilise a swing bridge across the harbour was unusual, it gave the track layout character in my view. The final sector of the track, from turns 17 to 25, was superb. After turn 17, every corner until turn 25 is faster than the previous one, and they're doing this inches away from buildings to the left and right :)

[@johnrupesh4535]

I also think this is the best street circuit on the calendar at the moment.

[@babies4breakfast197]

Canada is open to the public to bike, skateboard, drive etc. but it’s a permanent track and not a real road that goes anywhere. It’s also on an island that used to be for the Montreal summer Olympics

[@ethanpagan3365]

The 2016 cars were absolute rockets down the straight😭

[@hueylong8046]

I love Baku.

[@timmyZert]

It's a shame because probably F1 will never race there but my favorite street circuit is Macau. You got a very long straight to overtake, tight flowing corners section up the hill and then a VERY tight hairpin at the end (where there's an actual permanent yellow flags). I've driven them in sim racing and the satisfaction you get when you got a lap right is just incredible! As for F1 itself, especially in terms of racing then yeah, Baku is certainly right up there.

[@lewis8552]

I like Baku, the races are usually quite chaotic and can spring a surprise for the midfield. The track also has alot of character despite being mostly 90 degree corners, it's also surprisingly flowing. For racing it's probably one of the better tracks let alone street tracks. Personally for me I think Singapore is the best street track. I know as a race it can sometimes be boring however the high temps can usually throw interesting tyre strat that can spice it up. Singapore as well is the closest to an endurance race for the drivers and is probably one of the most challenging circuits on the calender. Plus lots of great qualy laps and some iconic moments from that circuit.

[@musaddiqmunirliman8267]

Whether it's the best or nah.. MY FAVOURITE

[@cgzh990]

Barring 2016 and 2019, it has generally produced classic races. Now it just needs to be moved to a date that doesn't clash with Le Mans and it'll be even better.

[@aykhanimran1362]

Greetings from Baku. Unfortunately not much people appreciate Formula 1 in my country and complain about the traffic jams it cause

[@louKushh]

there you go. should be removed from the calendar.

[@kayneottley4669]

Any race by my boy Daniel Where he does well is a great race, so not too many at the moment

[@pr37733]

I think you should check Vila Real, amazing track

[@florisbackx1744]

I fully a gree with the 90 degrees corners. On the map it looks dull, but time after time these corners seem more challenging then most well thought out fast (almost) full gass corners on classic circuits. Just look at Silverstone, the (British) holy grail of F1, it's great for drivers but when it comes to racing and overtaking it falls short.

[@briansonnenfelt7125]

I was thinking the other day that Baku is the new Monaco

[@MrExagu]

Even before watching the video, I agree. Baku is the best current street circuit. Long straight, nice brakimg zomes, some runoff area. Jeddah is better when it comes to raw speed overall, but way too dangerous, given it’s many blimd corner, no run off areas, concrete barriers

[@formularguments7335]

I think it would be even better if they got rid of some of the 90 degree corners like turn 7 (the one before the famous castle section) turn 12 and turn 13. opening up them corners and getting rid of the run off on the inside would be better. turn 13 is probably the least needed to remove out of all of these tho but maybe

[@barrymckockinner8476]

The bar for street circuits isn't that high, so yeah, I agree

[@MadeByPerspective]

Hahah fair enough!

[@seanonraet8327]

Exactly, Monaco, Singapore, Miami and Australia are all pretty meh to be fair

[@thenukdesilva9102]

@@seanonraet8327 Singapore is great imo

[@fairrodthecapacitor]

Baku has blistering fast sections and spectacular scenery, off course the castle chicane. But they have loads of 90 degrees corners, which are not that bad at all because I grew up with WRC which has 90 degree corners, but the circuit needs corners that does not make it a square. Baku is one of the best circuits in the calendar and should stay in F1, but it cannot replace the legends such as Albert Park, Monaco and Canada.

[@aberamagold7509]

I was looking for a video that explained/showed the various sections of this track so I could refamiliarise myself with it. Then I saw Perspective has such a video which was both good and bad news The good: I know I'll get a thorough 8 minute explanation of the track and corners along with some solid commentary on the good and bad of certain sections. The bad: I know I'll get a thorough 8 minute explanation of the track and corners along with some solid commentary on the good and bad of certain sections BUT I've only got 5 minutes to watch it (allow which I've used to write this 😅. Luckily I can watch it later when I'm not in a rush, even though it doesn't help regarding why I wanted to see it now, but hey life doesn't always go your way.

[@terminateshere]

Street circuits can be divided between "Parkland circuits" and "Round the houses" circuits.

[@wish_gd]

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a street circuit only if you dont live in Montréal. For us who lives there it's way more of a purpose built track than it is a street circuit. The only street use it gets is as a highway exit and entry (event that is not te whole circuit) for the casino and facilities on the Notre-dame island, oh and you can also bike on the circuit. So yeah it's a circuit that gets used as streets and not the other way around.

[@zetavasuki931]

honestly though... i feel like singapore is highly underrated. how was there not one mention of that track? Singapore over baku for me any day, is it the most action packed crazy overtaking race? obviously not, but there are defiently some killer overtakes there, its arguably the track that pushes the drives to the limit with the heat and length of the race, its punishing if you get it wrong like all street tracks. Its the race im most looking forward to, ive missed it the 2 years its been gone, and this new cars i think will only make it better. Not to mention the hype and the spectacle of singapore, id say rivals any track. Its a stunning track and amazing to see the cars on. of course we would like to see more from singapore, obvisouly can can produce some snozers but to me personally its more than how many overtakes are on a track, i think singapore is so much more because of what a challenge it is, its amazing to see the drivers pushed on such a limit. Lando Norris himself says singapore is his favorite because no other track challenges him like singapore does.

[@andriysalystyi660]

Totally agree with you

[@JoseMapping]

As someone from azerbaijan, its the best street circuit and i dont care bout websites theye just lying btw i will go to f1 2024 azerbaijan it will be so fun!

[@ca24denyt5]

I dont like how the start time of the race was moved foward an hour this year I like baku with all the shadows and it being darker for some reason

[@P0wer101]

tilke just rolling in his grave

[@ItsNechev]

all facts, I love it myself

[@affankazi5627]

Why Pers is the best KZbinr 😄

[@InnocentRain562]

Baku is what Monaco wants to be

[@striker8405]

Wow well done, Baku

[@ARROWS00]

Adelaide Street Circuit is one of the best

[@nanookrubsit]

try phoenix street circuit, both layouts are great.

[@HolyGuacamolean]

Baku is badass.

[@rauljuni1827]

I mean there also is no driver who had either the win, fastest lap or pole more then once so its really interesting

[@AlenAbdula]

Turn 8 tru 11 at Baku can be so frustrating to drive !

[@username-tv6uw]

Let's get rid of Monaco and run Baku twice but reverse circuit one time.

[@heyfroakie5849]

favorite circuit

[@fajarpradityo]

With cureent car, we need more long straight like Baku to show more overtaking

[@manishthakur9851]

I've talked to many people explaining Baku is the best street circuit in calendar though never received positive reply.

[@alsa4real]

That aged well...

[@ert_luke2423]

Hello just to say in the thumbnail, it has the wrong track outline t2 to t3 has a larger straight

[@rufetbayramov8180]

Land of fire 🔥🔥🔥 Azerbaijan 🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿

[@emmanuelsengo684]

3:24 U could also add 2019