Ahead of the Formula 1 stage on the Baku street circuit, fans brought not only sporting intrigue but also vibrant humor to the paddock. This time, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc and his long-standing complicated relationship with the Baku concrete barriers became the center of attention in the fan community. An AI-generated image quickly went viral on social media, instantly turning into a global meme among motorsport enthusiasts.
Ironic art and the history of Baku incidents
The joke originated from an Instagram post by the Motorsfera account, featuring an AI-generated inflatable protective wall near the infamous Turn 15 of the track. It bore eloquent inscriptions: "Leclerc protective wall. Now inflatable" and "Please attack here." The authors of the concept ironically noted that regular replacement of damaged concrete blocks is getting too expensive, making an inflatable option an excellent crisis management solution for organizers.
Accident statistics at the ill-fated Turn 15
The Monegasque driver indeed has a rich history of crashes on the Baku track, with the lion's share of incidents occurring precisely at Turn 15. Charles crashed in this section during practice sessions in 2021 and 2024, as well as in the final qualifying session in 2025. Despite his high level of skill, the Ferrari driver's drive to squeeze the absolute maximum out of the car often leads to contacts with barriers that forgive no mistakes on a street circuit.