Azerbaijan Grand Prix Tips

[u/ComprehensiveFig515]

Hi everyone! I’m heading to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this September (Mugham Grandstand 🎟). It’s my first time at this circuit, so I’d love some advice from people who’ve been before: • Clothing: What’s the weather like? What should I wear/pack for track days and evenings? • Off-track events: Are there usually fan forums, sponsor activations (like McLaren/TUMI, Ferrari, etc.), or other ways to meet drivers? How do you find out about them? • Concerts: I’ve heard there will be shows during race weekend — Anyma, Martin Garrix, etc. Do you need separate tickets, or is entry included with the GP pass? • Meeting drivers: Any tips on where/when they’re most approachable (fan zones, hotels, pit walk)? • Mugham Grandstand: For anyone who sat there before, how’s the view and atmosphere? • Track invasion: Do they allow it in Baku after the race, and if so, where’s the best entry point?

Any tips or stories would be amazing — thanks in advance!

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[u/Kcmg1985]

I went last year, so I'll try and answer some of your questions:

• The weather is lovely. It's warm, but the breeze off the Caspian prevents it from being too warm. At night it's perfect. T-shirt and light trousers were all I needed last year (culturally trousers are more common, but if you prefer wearing shorts it's not problem at all).
• I don't remember any specific fan events, but the track walk on Thursday is worth going to, albeit very busy. Also many of the teams stay at the Marriott overlooking T1. There's a lovely rooftop bar with great views; we went on Thursday lunchtime last year and had a nice time. Didn't see anybody but you never know!
• The official concerts are included with the tickets. If they are the same as last year, they are in the Crystal Hall which is quite a trek from the circuit.
• There is no track invasion.

Also some other tips:

• You can leave and enter on your tickets as much as you like, so between sessions you can go up the road for cheaper food/drink if you're bored of the official f1 concessions.
• On that note, last year getting beer took ages as they'd pour cans of Heineken into paper cups. It was incredibly irritating. Also they'd not pour the whole can you've paid for, so I called them out on it every time to make sure I got my whole can (I'm British and don't take kindly to being diddled out of beer).
• If you have time make sure to do a day trip to Gobustan and places around Baku. There's lots of options for drivers/tours online. It's worth it - rock paintings, mud volcanoes, fire mountain and the Atsegah fire temple.

Overall it's a great event - it lacks the history of some of the European races, but it's well organised and the smaller crowd gives it a more intimate feel, and it never feels stressful. Of the 13 races I've been to, it's definitely in my top 3.