2016 F1 European Grand Prix: Baku impressions

The recently concluded European Grand Prix in Azerbaijan, was, for all intents and purposes, average. From ticket sales, and wheel to wheel racing–even the surroundings were questionable.

It was pole to flag victory for Nico Rosberg in the all conquering Mercedes. The No.6 car left the rest of the field to fight it out amongst themselves for the remaining spots on the podium. There were a few overtaking moves made by Hamilton and Perez, and even the Red Bulls and Williams’ got in on the act. But all of these were aided in part, by the very long straights and by the car’s Drag Reduction System or DRS. The much talked about appearance of a red flag and safety car, never materialized. The drivers were bent to keep their noses clean, and didn’t make drastic dives for position. No one wanted to be the first major casualty in Baku.

Ticket sales for the very first ever race in Azerbaijan was less than acceptable. Grandstands were only about one-third full. If one is to be generous, nearly half full. Vacant seats can be seen as the TV cameras followed the cars around. There were very few people milling about. Yes, there were shots wherein fans from balconies were waving their flags to support their team, but if one is to look closely, it is only done from three to four selected balconies, unlike in Monaco where the residential units are leased and rabid fans can be seen all weekend My impression is, organizers allowed people up the buildings for the sole purpose of getting fans on TV and make it appear more successful than it really is.

Now, photos are coming out over social media, that the Baku organizers are tearing down the coverings of the old buildings. A colleague even mentioned while watching the live race on TV, that the rooftops and buildings seemed to be “white-washed” it was too clean, too immaculate for a European city. Attendance to race was also hampered by the lack of travel options for fans. One major stumbling block for our countrymen wanting to attend, was where to get a visa. Flying to Azerbaijan would also mean that one has to endure long layovers in at least two countries before arriving in Baku.

All these put together and it would be a safe assumption that the Baku City race will go the way of the Korean GP, which after a year or two, organizers will drop its race due to lack of funding. Fans would be better served if they just attend other European races like Germany, Italy, UK, Belgium; circuits steeped in motorsports history and tradition.

The 2016 European Grand Prix was not the overwhelming success envisioned by the organizers. Hopefully the next installments would fare better, perhaps a revision of the track layout? Better travel options with easier access to Azerbaijan? But, if its place in the Formula 1 calendar would be dependent on a historic race being dropped, I say then, steer clear of Baku.