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via Getty

via Getty

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku is around the corner. It will go on as arranged as a part of the F1 2021 season. However, fans won’t be permitted to attend.

The street race was one of many races compelled to drop their 2020 plans because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The race will be held on June 4-6. It was given by Formula 1 on the temporary 2021 schedule.

However, to meet the commitment this year, the Grand Prix weekend will happen behind closed doors. The race had quite a turnaround in 2019. It was reported that almost 85,000 fans attended the 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

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Read More: Azerbaijan Grand Prix: How Long is the F1 Straight at Baku?

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The Baku City Circuit, which plans the race, said the choice not to permit fans “comes after extensive deliberation” with the Azerbaijan government, F1, and motorsport’s administering body, the FIA.

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“Every opportunity has been explored to find a way to stage the race weekend in 2021 in a safe and responsible manner that would allow the return of fans to the fastest street circuit in F1,” the BCC said in a statement.

“However, while the global situation and pandemic response is continuing to improve, it has become clear that the 2021 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix race weekend has arrived too soon for BCC to safely host the event with fans present.
“Our main priority this year will continue to be the health and safety of everyone working and participating at the event,” said promoter Arif Rahimov.

History of F1 in Azerbaijan

The 2016 European Grand Prix was the first occasion when the race was held at the circuit. It was also the first occasion when a Grand Prix took place in Azerbaijan.

Valtteri Bottas recorded the highest speed in an F1 session, at 378 km/h (235 mph) during the qualifying. In 2017, the track hosted the first Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The race happened on 25th June. It was one of the five races on a road circuit during the 2017 Formula One season. F1 has raced at Baku as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 3 times. Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton, and Valtteri Bottas are the 3 race winners at the Baku City Circuit.