Hamilton and Leclerc Struggle in Baku

In a race filled with missed opportunities, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc found themselves grappling with a disappointing outcome in Baku. Starting off on a promising note, Hamilton quickly overtook Fernando Alonso on lap one, climbing to 10th position. However, the deployment of the Safety Car following Oscar Piastri's crash on that very lap would soon set the tone for a frustrating day.

As the race resumed, Leclerc showcased his skills by passing Lando Norris and Isack Hadjar, securing 7th position. But the challenges started to pile up. By lap 20, after a pit stop for hard tires, Leclerc found himself stuck behind Liam Lawson, unable to gain momentum due to a minor power unit issue.

Tire Strategy Fails to Deliver

Hamilton's strategic changes didn't turn the tide either. After pitting for medium tires on lap 37, he emerged just behind Leclerc. With only ten laps remaining, Norris overtook Leclerc, leaving both drivers finessing their positions. The planned swap between Hamilton and Leclerc didn’t materialize as time ran out, resulting in Hamilton finishing in 8th and Leclerc trailing closely behind in 9th.

Hamilton’s Take: Room for Improvement

Reflecting on the race, Hamilton expressed his disappointment. "It’s not the result we were aiming for. I felt more comfortable in the car today, but closing in on the faster cars was tough due to their pace. Qualifying was crucial, and we missed the mark this weekend, finishing behind where we should have been. Fighting for 8th and 9th doesn’t show our true potential. We’ll focus on boosting our qualifying speed for the next races." Hamilton appreciated the team’s effort, promising to return stronger for Singapore.

Leclerc’s Perspective: Unmet Goals

Leclerc also had candid insights following the race. "Strategy was key today; starting on different tires affected our race dynamics. I was stuck behind Liam for too long, and a small PU issue hindered my pace. My mistake in Q3 left me starting from P10, and I don't aim to compete for 8th or 9th. We need a reset and a better game plan for future races. The chilly conditions in Baku didn’t help our tire performance either, but I’m optimistic about warmer weather in Singapore." He also congratulated Carlos Sainz on achieving his first podium with Williams, signaling camaraderie in the competitive environment.

Looking Ahead to Singapore

With both drivers determined to regroup and enhance their performances, the stage is set for a thrilling battle in Singapore. As they lick their wounds from a tough Baku outing, fans can expect to see an invigorated Hamilton and Leclerc rise to the occasion.