Lewis Hamilton heads into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix “optimistic” after uncovering “a couple of things” he believes can unlock more performance across the weekend. The seven‑time champion, who has been steadily finding confidence in his current package, says the tweaks should help him hit a stronger baseline from the first laps.
Baku’s stop‑start layout — with its ultra‑long straight and fiddly low‑speed sections — rewards cars that nail both stability under braking and traction on exit. Hamilton’s camp feels recent learnings will tighten that window and reduce the set‑up compromises that have dogged certain venues this season.
While expectations are measured, Hamilton’s tone has shifted: the aim is to put together a clean, well‑managed weekend and convert practice promise into qualifying execution and race pace. On a circuit where mistakes are costly and safety cars frequent, that blend of poise and pace could make the difference.
