George Russell labels Azerbaijan corner 'the trickiest on the calendar'

Russel at Azerbaijan — Photo: © LAT Images

Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Russell labels Azerbaijan corner 'the trickiest on the calendar'

The Baku complex is extremely tight in places

Sam Hall

Friday 4 June 2021 12:15

George Russell has described Baku City Circuit's turn nine as the most difficult on the F1 calendar.

While there are numerous corners on tracks around the world that prove challenging, Williams driver Russell believes the entry to the 'castle section' is more demanding than any other.

At its narrowest, the complex is 7.6m wide, less than the width of four cars, although it is impossible to imagine drivers even two abreast up the hill.

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"You go through the castle section which has the trickiest corner on the Formula 1 calendar, it’s so tight and you can win or lose so much time there," said the Williams driver, who finished 17th quickest at the end of first practice.

"I have mixed feelings from Baku; it’s always been one of my best circuits, but I’ve never had a huge amount of luck there. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to it and let’s see how we get on."

Baku is not a Monaco repeat

Baku may be a second street circuit in quick succession after F1 visited Monaco at the end of May, but Russell explained the two venues have very little in common other than the close proximity of the walls.

"It’s another street circuit, but it has a different dynamic to Monaco," added Russell.

"There are a lot of big braking zones from high-speed and with walls just behind the track it’s difficult to attack the corners."