Baku hosts 'Belgium and Formula 1: Innovation at Full Speed' event

An event titled "Belgium and Formula 1: Full Speed into Innovation" was held in Baku, organized by the Embassy of Belgium in Azerbaijan, Report informs.

Belgium's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Julien de Fraipont, opened the event with a welcoming speech, expressing his appreciation to Azerbaijan for hosting one of motorsport's most prestigious events - the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

"First of all, I would like to thank Azerbaijan for hosting one of the most important events in the world of motorsport - the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Today, friends from Belgium and Azerbaijan, who share a passion for a sport built on engineering excellence, technological innovation, and precision, are gathered here. Formula 1 is a unique fusion of science and speed. Belgium is proud of its contributions to this sport and, like Azerbaijan, we are honored to host a Grand Prix at one of the most legendary circuits in the history of Formula 1," the ambassador said.

Following the opening ceremony, a panel discussion took place focusing on the role of innovation, technology, and international collaboration in the development of motorsport.

Speakers included Stoffel Vandoorne, reserve driver for Aston Martin; Jerome d'Ambrosio, former F1 driver and Deputy Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari; Sven Smeets, Belgian Formula 1 engineer and Sporting Director of Williams Racing; Stefaan Kestens, CEO of Racing Force Group; and Loïc Bacquelaine, legal expert and Formula 1 steward.

During the panel, speakers highlighted Belgium's role as home to pioneering companies and research institutions that contribute to motorsport through advanced materials, precision engineering, and sustainable mobility solutions.

They emphasized that Belgium's expertise in aerodynamics, data analytics, and high-performance manufacturing makes it a quiet yet powerful force behind the global motorsport stage.