Weather Radar System Unavailable at Azerbaijan Grand Prix Due to Diplomatic Tensions

The 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix faces an operational challenge as Formula 1 teams are operating without the usual weather radar system. This issue arises from a political dispute between the governments of Azerbaijan and France, leading to travel advisories that prevent Meteo-France representatives from attending the event.

Meteo-France, responsible for implementing F1’s official weather radar, complies with travel warnings issued by France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The advisory discourages French nationals, including dual citizens, from traveling to Azerbaijan, impacting the deployment of critical equipment and personnel in Baku.

Typically, four weather stations are used to monitor the track conditions, but only one is operational this weekend, located in the pitlane. However, essential equipment, including devices for measuring wind speed and ambient temperature, has been set up with help from the FIA. The Meteo-France team is providing support remotely, maintaining communication and providing regular weather forecasts.

The situation results from heightened tensions related to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and the arrest of a French citizen on espionage charges in December. As a result, some French citizens from various F1 teams have opted not to attend the event, although the Alpine team is participating with its planned staff.

Despite these challenges, F1 teams are adapting by using commercially available weather monitoring alternatives, ensuring minimal disruption to the event. The FIA has expressed satisfaction with the service levels they are receiving amidst these tensions.

During Saturday’s practice session, the impact of the reduced weather monitoring was evident as a minor rain shower led to limited track activity. Nonetheless, the race weekend proceeds with the teams continuing to adjust to the prevailing conditions.