Lewis Hamilton believes he has lastly solved a key concern with the brake system on his Ferrari, following a robust exhibiting in observe on the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Hamilton topped the timesheets in second observe on the Baku Metropolis Circuit on Friday.
The 40-year-old was just below a tenth forward of Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who’s a Baku specialist, taking 4 consecutive poles.
Information evaluation revealed that Hamilton is choosing a better downforce setup, relative to Leclerc.
It means Hamilton is faster than Leclerc in the course of the twisty corners in the midst of the lap.
Leclerc’s benefit is on the straights, but when Hamilton is ready to get an important tow on his finest lap, he may gain advantage essentially the most.
Forward of observe, Sky Sports activities F1 pundit Karun Chandhok advised that Hamilton’s sluggish adaptation to life at Ferrari was as a result of brakes.
Ferrari use brake supplies provided by Brembo, whereas he used Carbon Industrie throughout his spells at McLaren and Mercedes.
Hamilton’s breakthrough with the brakes in Azerbaijan may very well be the important thing to turning his season round.
Reflecting on a constructive Friday in Baku, Hamilton mentioned after the session: “It actually has [been positive]… thank the Lord! It wasn’t so constructive. I’d say P1 was a little bit of a large number.
“This can be a circuit the place it’s a must to have mega confidence on the brakes. I’ve had some issues with the brakes. Each monitor I’m going to is the primary time I’m driving a Ferrari at that circuit so acclimatising to that’s not simple. We made some modifications going into P2.
“The brakes have been lastly working completely and I used to be in a position to actually make some massive benefit when it comes to gaining on the brakes.
“Actually joyful to see the progress and it simply goes to indicate the route we’re getting in as a crew. Actually grateful for everybody’s persistence and everybody pushing so exhausting as a result of we’ve began to see the progress come by.”
Hamilton not getting carried away
Regardless of there being loads of positives for Lewis Hamilton, he was eager to emphasize it was solely “observe”.
Lewis Hamilton
Since his 2021 title defeat to Max Verstappen, Hamilton has loved flashes of brilliance.
Typically he’s been constructive after observe earlier than taking a step again come qualifying.
Nonetheless, Hamilton is feeling the love from Ferrari and their followers – the adoring Tifosi.
“I wouldn’t say [it’s been big]. It’s only a observe day,” he added.
“I’d say let’s not go too far. I simply need to say I’m actually grateful for everybody for persevering with to push. The help I’ve been getting from everybody again within the manufacturing unit. Everybody right here – their persistence, help, each weekend they’ve lifted me up.
“The fellows within the storage, all of our advertising and marketing crew. They’re actually making an enormous distinction. Tifosi, they’ve been beaming the vitality from them within the final race. I hope to take that vitality they’ve given us right through the remainder of the season.”
