FORMULA OF SPEED AND RECORDS

One of the most expensive and fastest sports in the world, Formula 1, will once again visit the capital of Azerbaijan this year. Preparations for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Formula 1 Qatar Airways 2025 are already in full swing.

Bigger and faster

This year, the number of spectators is expected to surpass previous years. In particular, two additional grandstand sectors will be installed at the street circuit in Baku. Considering the growing interest from both local and international fans, the seating capacity will increase by 1,500 places, exceeding 20,000. In 2024, more than 76,000 spectators attended over four days—setting a record for this race. A new attendance record is anticipated in 2025.

Organisational work for the 2025 stage began earlier than usual. Due to the installation of new grandstands, construction and assembly started ahead of schedule. Representatives of the Baku City Circuit stated they aim to minimise inconvenience for city residents: most of the work is carried out at night.

The preparation and dismantling of the track involve 2,162 people—including engineers, assemblers, logisticians, and other technical staff. A week before the race, personnel numbers will increase: during the competition, 1,500 organisers, 2,000 volunteers, and 1,400 marshals will be involved. Unlike the first years of hosting the race, since 2024 all organisational work has been conducted entirely by local specialists.

According to Baku City Circuit, thanks to new barrier systems produced by Geobrugg, track preparation time has been reduced from 12 to 6 weeks. This year, organisers plan to accelerate the process even further.

Official statistics show that last year approximately 87 million people watched the Azerbaijan Grand Prix live on screens worldwide. Social media publications related to the race reached 3.9 billion users—an all-time high. Forecasts for 2025 predict a new record for viewership.

Baku City Circuit plans to delight fans again with an entertainment programme. Holders of four-day tickets will not only watch races but also attend concerts and participate in fan zone events. During the race weekend, world-renowned electronic music stars will perform on stage in Baku—Dutch DJ Martin Garrix and DJ Anima from London.

New rules for spectacle

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has introduced several changes to maintain Formula 1’s popularity at a high level. One of the main innovations for the 2025 season is the cancellation of the bonus point for the fastest lap. Since 2019, this point was awarded to the driver who set the best lap among those finishing in the top ten. Although intended to make race finishes more exciting, over time it became clear that the rule gave some drivers a tactical advantage. FIA decided to remove the bonus point to simplify scoring and focus attention on genuine on-track competition.

The Monaco Grand Prix has traditionally been calmer compared to other tournaments. To make it more dynamic, a new rule will be introduced in 2025. Regardless of weather conditions (dry or wet), each driver must make at least two pit stops. In dry weather, using at least two different types of tyres will also be mandatory. This change is based on the results of the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix when many drivers changed tyres immediately after a red flag in the first lap and finished without further stops, making the race less dynamic. The new rule aims to diversify strategies and increase spectacle.

FIA also tightened racing regulations for safety and fairness. Now, a car with serious damage can be immediately removed from the race by organisers. This rule appeared after Sergio Pérez drove a heavily damaged Red Bull car back to the pit stop in 2024.

Furthermore, rules regarding dangerous exits from pit stops have been tightened. Moves that could inadvertently endanger other participants are now strictly prohibited.

An interesting change involves car weight. The minimum car weight has been increased from 798 kg to 800 kg. This compensates for the increase in minimum driver weight from 80 kg to 82 kg. The adjustment aims to reduce inequalities between taller and heavier drivers and highlights Formula 1’s concern for drivers’ welfare.

From Australia to Abu Dhabi

The 2025 Formula 1 season began in March in Australia and will conclude in December in Abu Dhabi. The calendar includes 24 stages across different continents: Asia, Europe, America, and Oceania. After the Italian Grand Prix in Monza in September, from September 19 to 21, Baku will host the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The decisive stage of the championship will take place in October and November at circuits in Singapore, US (Austin), Mexico, Brazil (São Paulo), and Las Vegas. The final races of the season will be held in Qatar (Lusail) and UAE (Yas Marina). Abu Dhabi (December 5–7) will host the final race where the new world champion will be determined.