The 20 Formula 1 drivers are set to conquer one of the most exciting circuits of the year on Sunday as they race at Baku, Azerbaijan. After missing out on the 2020 calendar, the Caspian country will make its fifth appearance in Formula 1. 

The street circuit at Baku always promises thrilling action. From Sebastian Vettel’s road rage in 2017, the Red Bull collision in 2018 to a rain-affected practice in 2019, Azerbaijan has witnessed some high-tempo drama. 

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Red Bull’s Max Verstappen aced the first practice session on Friday. The F1 championship leader lapped the 6 km Baku street circuit with a best time of one minute and 43.184 seconds. Both the Ferrari’s were close behind the Dutch driver. 

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Why is Baku special?

The Baku circuit is a complex melange of narrow, twisty corners and a super-long straight, which means both overtaking and wheel-to-wheel duels will be on display on Sunday. 

The first F1 Grand Prix in Baku was in 2016 (European Grand Prix), The circuit, in the heart of the city, hosted the first Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2017. Daniel Ricciardo won the race four years ago. In 2018 and 2019 Mercedes‘ Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas won the race respectively. 

The main race will take place on Sunday, June 6 starting at 5:30 PM IST (12:00 PM GMT).