“Perfect” braking breakthrough behind strong start at F1 Azerbaijan GP

Hamilton’s Braking Breakthrough Powers Strong Start at F1 Azerbaijan GP

Lewis Hamilton showed promising signs as he topped the timesheets in the second practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, attributing his performance to significant improvements in his braking setup. The seven-time world champion believes Ferrari‘s advancements in the 2025 Formula 1 season are beginning to take shape, highlighting a competitive atmosphere ahead of qualifying.

Hamilton’s Practice Insights

Hamilton, who struggled in the first practice session finishing 13th, described his earlier performance as “a mess” due to a lack of confidence under braking. However, the Mercedes driver found his rhythm in FP2, crediting improvements to his car’s braking capabilities.

“Every track I’m going to is the first time driving the Ferrari at that circuit, acclimatising to that is not easy. We made some changes going into P2 and the brakes finally were working perfect,” Hamilton stated.

His successful final flying lap saw him take the top spot, showcasing the adjustments made to his setup.

Leclerc Acknowledges Competition

Charles Leclerc, who led for portions of the session, expressed confidence in Ferrari’s performance but acknowledged the formidable pace of Mclaren. The Monegasque driver, who has dominated pole positions in Baku, felt there was more to extract from himself and his car.

“I doubt we’ll be in the fight with them. But compared to the others, it seems that we are kind of in a good place,” Leclerc remarked, referring to the impressive pace of his competitors.

Despite showing optimism, Leclerc warned of the challenges ahead, especially with McLaren appearing “in another world” regarding overall performance.

Vasseur’s Optimism Amidst Competitors

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur echoed Leclerc’s sentiments, expressing satisfaction with the team’s early pace. Vasseur noted the tight competitiveness in the field, particularly pointing to McLaren’s potential to elevate the pressure on both Ferrari and Mercedes.

“The margins are very tight. We need to focus on what we’re doing,” Vasseur said, highlighting the unpredictable nature of qualifying sessions.

With both Hamilton and Leclerc displaying promising performance, the stage is set for an intense qualifying session and an exhilarating race in the heart of Baku. As teams prepare to unveil their full potential, fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding drama of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Key Takeaways

1. Hamilton’s Braking Adjustments: Improvements in braking setup allow Hamilton to showcase strong performance.
2. Leclerc’s Competitive Awareness: Acknowledgment of McLaren’s speed highlights potential rivalry.
3. Vasseur’s Strategic Focus: Emphasis on constant improvement and awareness of competitors’ capabilities.

As the teams gear up, all eyes will be on the track to see if Hamilton can maintain this momentum and if Ferrari can leverage their gains against fierce rivals.