Track Record Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2019

track record FORMULA 1 SOCAR AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX 2019

FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX

The Singapore Grand Prix™ is a truly special race, in a place that’s like nowhere else on earth. It stands out as the only regular night race on the Formula One™ calendar. It also takes place on a floodlit street circuit, where sharp twists and turns are plentiful.

The fact that said street circuit is in the city-state of Singapore - where giant vertical gardens stand alongside huge futuristic skyscrapers - only adds to the allure. In other words, it’s a must-visit for F1™ fans and travel-lovers alike.

DON'T MISS THE UNMISSABLE? BOOK NOW www.gptraveller.co.uk + 44 (0) 114 345 1977

THE TRACK RECORD FORMULA 1 SOCAR AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX 26 -28 APRIL 2019

Editor Rob Burley Photography James Moy www.jamesmoy.com Editorial Giles Richards (Guardian News & Media Ltd) Contact www.trackrecordmagazine.com/contact Instagram traveller.rob

This publication is unofficial and is not associated in any way with the Formula One group of companies. F1, FORMULA ONE, FORMULA 1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trade marks of Formula One Licensing B.V.

THE TRACK RECORD

THE GRID Valtteri Bottas beats Lewis Hamilton to Azerbaijan pole 2 44 Lewis Hamilton MERCEDES

3 5 Sebastian Vettel FERRARI

4 33 Max Verstappen RED BULL RACING HONDA

5 11 Sergio Perez RACING POINT BWT MERCEDES

6 26 Daniil Kvyat SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO HONDA

7 4 Lando Norris MCLAREN RENAULT

8 16 Charles Leclerc FERRARI

1 77 Valtteri Bottas MERCEDES

9 55 Carlos Sainz MCLAREN RENAULT

gptraveller.co.uk

THE TRACK RECORD

10 3 Daniel Ricciardo RENAULT

11 23 Alexander Albon SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO HONDA

12 20 Kevin Magnussen HAAS FERRARI

13 18 Lance Stroll RACING POINT BWT MERCEDES

14 8 Romain Grosjean HAAS FERRARI

15 27 Nico Hulkenberg RENAULT

16 63 George Russell WILLIAMS MERCEDES

17 99 Antonio Giovinazzi ALFA ROMEO RACING FERRARI

18 88 Robert Kubica WILLIAMS MERCEDES

19 7 Kimi Räikkönen ALFA ROMEO RACING FERRARI

20 10 Pierre Gasly RED BULL RACING HONDA

gptraveller.co.uk

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, scene of some dramatic racing for the past two seasons, fell with barely a whimper to the flawless perfection of what appears to be an unstoppable Mercedes juggernaut. For the winner, Valtteri Bottas, there was pleasing redemption after a puncture cruelly denied him last year and, with his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, taking second, Mercedes have now secured four successive one-two finishes. It is the most successful start to a season in the sport’s history, concluded with flawless control to tame the streets of Baku.

Sebastian Vettel was third for Ferrari with Max Verstappen in fourth for Red Bull. Vettel’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, who had started from eighth after crashing in qualifying, made a valiant effort on an alternate strategy to come through to take fifth. The Monegasque driver’s

gptraveller.co.uk

THE TRACK RECORD

run caught the attention as Bottas, Hamilton and

Mercedes. “It means a lot to win,” he said. “It’s

Vettel were unable to challenge one another out in

incredible the level we’re performing at as a team.

front but it is the bigger picture that Ferrari must

that’s why I was saying to the guys I’m so proud to

consider as Mercedes leave Azerbaijan having now

be part of that. We’re all performing really, really well.

proved untouchable in three of the four races this

It’s only my fifth win and it feels good and payback

season. In Bahrain Leclerc was set to win before a

from last year.”

mechanical problem pushed him down the field.

Ferrari had appeared to be the form team of the Having surpassed Williams’ record of three one-twos

field in pre-season testing but have since been

in opening the 1992 season, Bottas praised

overwhelmed as their pace has not re-materialised

gptraveller.co.uk

THE TRACK RECORD

and Mercedes have repeatedly had the advantage.

Indeed, it was enough for the Finn to retake the

Hamilton confirmed he felt Ferrari had yet really to

championship lead from Hamilton over whom he

compete.

now has a one-point advantage. Unfortunately it looks increasingly in danger of turning into a two-

“We are delivering on a very, very high percentage,”

horse race as Vettel dropped further back, now 35

he said. “Both Valtteri and I are both delivering on

points behind Bottas.

the laps. Our team are pumping on all cylinders, they [Ferrari] are not. If they start pumping on all cylinders

Ferrari had brought aerodynamic upgrades to

and start delivering, then we will have much more of

Azerbaijan and, with a straight-line speed

a fight.”

advantage, had expected to be strong here. But as they have done so many times before, Mercedes

Bottas’s victory, after his win at the opening round in

were able to find extra in qualifying and the race.

Australia and second places in Bahrain and China,

With F1 now coming to Europe, where Mercedes will

continues what has been his strongest start to a

bring upgrades of their own, they are very much on

season. He has issued stern notice to Hamilton that

the front foot while Ferrari need to find a step

he will face a real fight and that he intends to take a

forward. They are confident the car has the capability

shot at the title.

but, if it is not unlocked soon, the championship will have gone.

gptraveller.co.uk

THE TRACK RECORD

Vettel believes the difference between them was largely down to making the tyres work and remarked on the frustration at not being able to challenge. “It’s boring, isn’t it?” he said. “We have to work harder, work better, they are doing phenomenally well. I know we can improve, I think we have a good car we just haven’t managed yet to put it where it belongs. I am sure it is going to turn around.”

Baku had produced dramatic qualifying but the race proved an uneventful battle at the front, the key moment coming at the start. Bottas and Hamilton went wheel to wheel with inches to spare through the first two corners but the Finn held his nerve and his line to maintain his lead. It was breathless stuff and, while Hamilton said he might have been more aggressive in squeezing his teammate, both drivers kept it clean as the walls loomed over them.

Having held his place from pole, Bottas put in a confident drive to secure victory. Hamilton stayed with him throughout, as largely did Vettel but neither had a shot at the lead. Crucially, once again Mercedes executed flawlessly. The team are operationally at an exceptional level and, with the habit of winning, show no sign of dropping the ball.

Having expected to be chasing Ferrari, to conclude the opening four flyaway races with two victories apiece for Bottas and Hamilton is an opening

gptraveller.co.uk

Mercedes could not have imagined. All that separates their drivers is the single point for fastest lap the Finn scored in Australia. Their fight is finely poised but Ferrari simply must find their way into the fray at the next round in Barcelona.

Sergio PĂŠrez took a strong sixth for Racing Point with his teammate Lance Stroll doing well in ninth.

McLaren’s Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris also turned in impressive runs for seventh and eighth, with Kimi Raikkonen in the Alfa Romeo in tenth.

gptraveller.co.uk

LUXURY MONACO GRAND PRIX YACHT HOSPITALITY Thursday £550 per person Friday £400 per person**

There is no better way to view this demanding street race than from the deck of our 45 metre luxury yacht, moored in a prime Zone 1 berth.

Our yacht packages include outstanding hospitality from the moment guests step on board our luxury Wajer tenders.

• Complimentary bar with premium brand Champagne • Gourmet buffet cuisine throughout the day • Sunday pre race Q&A with F1™ celebrity • Superb views of the world’s most famous street circuit

Saturday £1,000 per person Sunday £2,100 per person Saturday & Sunday £3,100 per person

BOOK NOW

**Half day of hospitality, up to & including lunch

www.gptraveller.co.uk + 44 (0) 114 345 1977

FIRST 77 Valtteri Bottas MERCEDES

"This victory feels really good. When you’re starting from pole, you hope for a straightforward race – the less drama, the better it is. I didn’t have the greatest start; after the wheelspin in China I was maybe just a little too cautious. Lewis had a better start so we went side-by-side into Turn 1 and 2; it was good, respectful racing between the two of us and I’m glad I could pull up in front of him. Lewis was very quick today and was able to put on some pressure at the end of the race, so I had to make sure to not make any mistakes. I’ve already said it on the radio after the race: ‘ What a team!’ The level at which everyone is performing at the moment is very impressive, both here at the track and back at the factory, and I’m really proud of everyone. We need to make sure we keep delivering at this level." gptraveller.co.uk

THE TRACK RECORD

SECOND 44 Lewis Hamilton MERCEDES

"This is a great result for the team. I think this

it tough to catch him up. But those are all ifs

team is stronger than it’s ever been and it’s all

and buts; Valtteri drove a great race and

down to teamwork. Both Valtteri and myself

deserved the win. It was great that the team let

are pushing the boundaries of the car and are

us race though. I’ll work hard to bounce back

delivering, as are the team in the pitstops, the

and pick up the performance for Spain. "

engineers, and everyone back at the factory. I don’t think we have ever performed at this level before and I’m really grateful for all the hard work from everyone. Baku is not my strongest race, it’s always been difficult for me. I came close to the win today, but not close enough. I didn’t get the job done in Qualifying and then I was a bit too cautious at the start. I also had an issue with the VSC and that made

gptraveller.co.uk

THIRD 5 Sebastian Vettel FERRARI

“That was fun driving today, although not so much in

alright today, but not good enough. The whole team

the first stint when I couldn’t get the tyres to work

is working to the maximum and so I feel confident. I

and I didn’t have as much grip as I’d expected. We

believe in this team and I know we can improve. We

were not quick and the performance was uneven

have a good car, but we’re not using it in the way to

because I damaged the tyres trying to get them up

get the results we should be getting. It’s like a

to temperature and then, once they were there, they

Rubik’s cube where you have to have everything in

didn’t give the performance I’d expected because,

the right order. We have a lot of clever people in the

they were damaged. After the pit stop I really got a

team who could solve that puzzle in less than two

good pace and I had fun because I felt the car was

minutes, but in this case the cube is a bit bigger.”

fully under control and I felt free to push, even if it wasn’t enough to put our rivals under pressure. At the restart following the Virtual Safety Car, I set my fastest lap and I managed to get the gap to Verstappen to a second. I think that by then he realised he couldn’t attack me and so I was able to drop the pace a bit in the closing laps. Our pace was gptraveller.co.uk

THE TRACK RECORD

FOURTH 33 Max Verstappen RED BULL RACING HONDA

“In general we had a good race. I always had

Around here, tyre temperature is key and you

the Mercedes and Ferrari in sight and I was just

end up sliding a lot more with low

trying to close the gap. At the start I was

temperatures so it wasn’t worth risking the

blocked and couldn’t really brake deep into the

position in the final laps. The performance in

corner, which allowed Perez to get past me. Of

Barcelona will of course depend on the

course, that lost me a bit of ground but you

upgrades that everyone is bringing but

don’t want to risk everything on Lap 1. Once I

hopefully we can be even more competitive

got back past, we went a little bit longer than

and close the gap even further.”

the others on the soft tyre and I had a good feeling with the car. We had good pace, especially on the medium tyre in the second stint where I closed the gap by seven or eight seconds. With the Virtual Safety Car, I think I lost too much tyre temperature and I couldn’t get it back as quickly as the others.

gptraveller.co.uk

THE TRACK RECORD

FIFTH 16 Charles Leclerc FERRARI

“We extracted the most we could have done

been the best weekend but our potential was

out of today’s race. After the setback in

clearly there and I hope that we will have a

qualifying, I started from P8 on medium tyres.

much better performance at the next GP in

It was a bit tricky in the beginning, because

Spain again.”

everyone around me was starting on the soft compound while I struggled a little bit to get up to speed. Once I got the tyres up to temperature, I had good grip and the situation improved. We had a strong first stint and were able to gain some positions there. After the pitstop it became clear that we would not be able to move further up the order, so we decided to stop pushing to save the tyres, pitted for a new set and so I was able to bring home the point for the fastest lap at the end. Overall, it hasn’t

gptraveller.co.uk

OWN A PIECE OF F1 HISTORY SHOP ONLINE AT WWW.VICTORYMONDAY.COM

THE TRACK RECORD

SIXTH 11 Sergio Perez RACING POINT BWT MERCEDES

“It has been a fantastic day. It was looking good at the start when I passed Verstappen, but we didn’t have the pace to fight against the Red Bulls over the race distance. I was actually focussed on keeping the McLarens at bay. It was not easy to keep them behind and I had to drive carefully for the whole of the race. After the VSC I was able to get good temperature in the tyres and this helped me stay in P6. I am happy we succeeded in keeping our position, now we can celebrate a good day for the team with both cars in the points. We have an upgrade coming in Barcelona and I am looking forward to our performance there.”

gptraveller.co.uk

SEVENTH 55 Carlos Sainz MCLAREN RENAULT

“Happy to score good points today after yesterday’s setback with that yellow flag. I knew it was just a matter of time and having a clean race. Today we showed solid pace throughout the whole race.

“Congratulations to everyone in the team for our first double-points finish of the year. Great effort from everyone. We need to keep pushing though, we have to be ambitious and aim higher! It’s a nice boost ahead of my home grand prix.”

gptraveller.co.uk

THE TRACK RECORD

EIGHTH 4 Lando Norris MCLAREN RENAULT

“Overall, it’s a good race for us as a team. A

colder, but it didn’t and that’s just something

double-points finish, the first one of the year,

we have to look back on. It always happens in

which is a good thing. The whole race was

racing! A good weekend altogether.”

pretty good. My start was probably the best I’ve done all year and I made no mistakes. I lost the tyres a little early in the first stint so boxed onto the Mediums, had a good middle stint and we took the decision to try the Softs after the VSC.

“The thinking was that the other tyres, the Medium, while not worn, had done a lot and wouldn’t be able to turn on as well. It looked like they did, so it was the wrong decision. It could have worked, maybe if it had been a bit

gptraveller.co.uk

THE TRACK RECORD

NINTH 18 Lance Stroll RACING POINT BWT MERCEDES

“It feels good to be back in the points because it was a very challenging race from start to finish. This is a track that has no margin for error, keeping concentration was a key factor and that is what we did today. It was fun; we overtook cars on track and brought the car home in P9. We were fortunate with the contact between Kvyat and Ricciardo because we picked up a couple of places there, then we overtook a few more cars on track, but the car felt good throughout the race. I am really happy with where we are right now, fighting for points at every race but there’s no doubt that it’s very tight in the midfield and we are going to have to keep pushing.”

gptraveller.co.uk

THE TRACK RECORD

TENTH 7 Kimi Räikkönen ALFA ROMEO RACING FERRARI

“Not an easy weekend for us. Wasn’t the plan to start from the pit lane but it is what it is, so one point is kind of the maximum we could achieve today. We pitted earlier to get out of the traffic but then I struggled for the whole race with switching the tyres on. Bit disappointed as I was expecting a lot more but I have the feeling that the next race will be easier for us.”

gptraveller.co.uk

FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX

If the final race of the F1™ season is also one of the most exciting, then it’s no surprise everyone wants a ticket for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™.

The Abu Dhabi weekend is special for lots more reasons. It’s the only Grand Prix™ staged in twilight, when the cars gleam in the low sun over beautiful Yas Island. Then there’s Yas Island itself – a place devoted to leisure and entertainment, full of fun and thrilling destinations. Not to mention Ferrari World Abu Dhabi!

In other words, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™ is well worth the trip

BOOK NOW

www.gptraveller.co.uk + 44 (0) 114 345 1977

THE TRACK RECORD

PADDOCK CAM

gptraveller.co.uk

THE TRACK RECORD

gptraveller.co.uk

FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO FULLY INCLUSIVE TRAVEL PACKAGES AVAILABLE NOW

BOOK NOW

GRANDSTAND VIEWING

LUXURY YACHT HOSPITALTY

SHANGRI-LA TERRACE

FAIRMONT HAIRPIN

www.gptraveller.co.uk + 44 (0) 114 345 1977

AZERBAIJAN

GRAND

PRIXâ„¢

GP TRAVELLER AZERBAIJAN MINI GUIDE

The race first appeared on the calendar as the

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000.

European Grand Prix in 2016 but changed its name

The Old City is one of the few surviving medieval

to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix the following year. The

towns in Azerbaijan. It retains the features of a

circuit was an immediate hit with the drivers who

medieval town including a labyrinth of narrow

like the extremely high speeds experienced on the

streets, ornate carved arches, renovated

straights. Drivers have to brush the walls in search of

caravanserais (a roadside inn where travelers could

a quick lap, using every inch of the track.

rest and recover from the day's journey), and tiny courtyards. Some hotels and restaurants in the Old

Where’s the party?

City have rooftop terraces with panoramic views of

Situated on the western edge of the Caspian Sea,

Baku and the waterfront.

Azerbaijan’s capital is a true blend of both ancient and modern. Baku is an oil city with skyscrapers and mansions jostling for position with the soviet era buildings and beautifully preserved Old City.

The fan experience at the Baku City Circuit is second to none. Dotted along the Caspian Sea Boulevard you’ll find themed zones adjacent to the grandstands where fans are treated to a variety of

The city consists of two principal parts; the

entertainment including live performances by visual

contemporary downtown area and the Old Inner City (Icheri Sheher). The Old City, Palace of

artists and musicians. The evening off-track entertainment includes a nightly light show and

Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower were designated

concerts by A list artists.

gptraveller.co.uk

When in Baku...

Azerbaijan is home to nearly a third of the world's

• Black tea at the beginning of a meal is a symbol of

mud volcanoes. See ancient petroglyphs, carvings,

hospitality and is served with fig, strawberry, apricot,

relics and explore the bubbling, and sometimes

walnut, blackberry and other jams.

explosive landscape of Gobustan National Park on a day trip from Baku.

• Azerbaijan’s most popular fast food is the Donner Kebab.

Six things you probably didn't know about Azerbaijan...

• Azerbaijan’s “burning hillsides” caused by gas

• Baku is the first European City in which the sun

seeping through fissures in the earth have earned it

rises.

the name, “Land of Fire”. These natural fires occur in many places throughout the South Caucasus. The

• Named after the Caspian tribe that lived on its

gas ignites as it reaches the surface creating the

shores, the Caspian is the world’s largest inland sea.

effect of a burning hillside.

The Romans called it sea due to the salty taste of its water; while in fact it is the biggest lake in the world

• Baku is sometimes referred to as the “Paris of the

and contains only a third of the salt of regular

East”

seawater. Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran all have boarders along its coast. gptraveller.co.uk

When you’re hungry go to...

When you need coffee go to...

SAHiL Bar & Restaurant

Old School

Address: Seaside Boulevard, 34 Neftchilar Ave, Bakı

Address: 23 Alimardan Topchubashov, Baku 1005,

1010, Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan

The place to go for modern Azerbaijani cuisine.

Retro atmosphere of Soviet Union era. The interior is decorated with various pieces from the former

Zeytun Restaurant

Communist days.

Address: Park Bulvar Mall, AZ1001,Azerbaycan, Neftchilar Ave, Baku, Azerbaijan

Coffee Moffie

Traditional Azerbaijani cuisine with a city view

Address: 9 Islam Safarli Street, Bakı 1005, Azerbaijan

included.

Coffee Moffie is a local independent coffee shop that combines a traditional café with a bar.

Firuze Restaurant Address: 14 Tarlan Aliyarbeyov, Baku 1005, Azerbaijan Hidden down a flight of stairs in Fountain Square, Firuze serves a wide range of national and European cuisine.

gptraveller.co.uk

The know-how...

Currency

Language

The national currency is the Azerbaijan Manat (AZN).

The official language is Azerbaijani but many people

One hundred Gepik (coins) equals one Manat, and

speak Russian, Turkish and English.

Manat notes come in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 denominations. It is not possible to exchange Manat

Smoking

in countries other than Azerbaijan, so visitors will

Smoking is permitted in public areas across

need to use the foreign exchange desk in the arrivals

Azerbaijan, including most restaurants and bars.

hall at the airport or withdraw from ATMs. Some

Smoking is not permitted in any Baku City Circuit

larger hotels will also have a foreign exchange desk.

venue, except for designated smoking areas.

Electricity

Time zone

Standard electrical power in Azerbaijan is 220v.

Azerbaijan is UTC+4 hours

Electrical equipment and appliances use the standard European 220-240v two-pin plug.

Gratuities and tipping Tippings is not expected across Azerbaijan but is common in Baku. Occasionally a service charge is included on the bill, particularly in more established hotels and restaurants.

gptraveller.co.uk

FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX

The Singapore Grand Prix™ is a truly special race, in a place that’s like nowhere else on earth. It stands out as the only regular night race on the Formula One™ calendar. It also takes place on a floodlit street circuit, where sharp twists and turns are plentiful.

The fact that said street circuit is in the city-state of Singapore - where giant vertical gardens stand alongside huge futuristic skyscrapers - only adds to the allure. In other words, it’s a must-visit for F1™ fans and travel-lovers alike.

DON'T MISS THE UNMISSABLE? BOOK NOW www.gptraveller.co.uk + 44 (0) 114 345 1977