Baku to host Formula 1; do we really need it?

By Hamid Hamidov

I have been against the idea of holding Formula 1 in Baku from the very beginning, and here is why: 

1. A local news agency said it will cost Azerbaijani taxpayers 40 million euros to organize F1 in Baku. The figure may not be exactly the same, but everybody agrees that tens of millions of euros will be spent. It’s still big money for a country like Azerbaijan.    

2. Look at the picture published above. The section of the route leading to the street formally called Zevin is very narrow. How comfortable will it be to race through narrow streets like these? 

3. How right is it to hold F1 near architectural monuments like ancient walls of Baku? You may argue that special barriers will be installed. But there is still the risk of cars damaging the walls if they ram into the barriers. In any case, the loud noise and dust will definitely not be good for the walls. The silence of specialists is deafening… 

4. The closure of central streets to traffic will paralyze traffic in the entire city. What if someone living in the city center (close to the route of the race) needs urgent medical assistance? Maybe it’s worth reconsidering the route and planning it somewhere away from the center?    

5. The minister of youth and sport, Azad Rahimov, says the cobblestones near the Old City will not be torn up. Instead, they will be covered with sand and concrete plates. Who can guarantee that the cobblestones will not be damaged by concrete plates? Who will be held responsible if they are damaged?  

6. The tarmac will have to be renewed after the race, which will require more spending from the city budget. It will also mean more days when the roads will be closed for traffic. 

7. Finally, is F1 going to help Baku boost its image? I doubt it will. Bernie Ecclestone, executive director of F1, has lately been looking to cities in developing countries which are seeking to show themselves off to the world. What’s more, he is doing this for money.  

I think we could have used the money for more urgent needs. Instead of organizing such competitions in the city center, the authorities should have taken care of roads in residential quarters of the city further away from the center. The state of the roads there leaves much to be desired.

Bakudaily.Az