This weekend, the Formula One circus heads to the shores of the Caspian Sea for the highly anticipated Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where the action will unfold on the challenging Baku city circuit. Following a fierce battle in Italy, this race will be crucial in shaping the trajectory of the World Championship. The tricky layout of Baku’s street circuit poses a significant challenge, potentially disrupting the momentum of some teams.
Mercedes, in particular, faces difficulties as they look to overcome the obstacles that may limit the performance of their W15. With a lackluster start to the post-summer break period, the Silver Arrows are in desperate need of a solid result to return to their winning form. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton believes the best is yet to come, with the W15 still having plenty of potential left.
Lewis Hamilton Anticipates Enhanced Performance With W15
Mercedes has faced challenges in the two races since the summer break, with their best finish being P5 at both Zandvoort and Monza. Despite these struggles, Lewis Hamilton remains optimistic about the team’s progress. He expressed confidence that Mercedes could unlock more performance in the upcoming races, noting that while significant upgrades may not be on the horizon, smaller improvements are expected, especially ahead of the Austin Grand Prix. Hamilton believes that some circuits may favor their car more than others, providing hope that Mercedes could once again challenge for race wins.
Meanwhile, George Russell commented on the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 at the moment. He highlighted the surprising variation in performance among the top teams, pointing out Red Bull’s sudden drop in pace after dominating the earlier part of the season. Ferrari, which had struggled in previous races, shocked everyone with a strong performance at Monza, securing a home victory to the delight of their fans. For Russell, this inconsistency makes the current F1 landscape unusual and challenging to navigate.
Andrew Shovlin Casts Doubt Over Mercedes’ Baku Showdown
Mercedes’ trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, has highlighted the major obstacles the team faces leading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, while also assessing how their rivals might handle the challenging street circuit. Shovlin stressed the difficulty of predicting performance at Baku, a track known for its unique demands. The combination of tight, slow corners in the second sector and a long straight forces teams to opt for a low-downforce wing setup, which is uncommon for such a circuit. Additionally, Baku’s narrow layout and complex turns increase the risk of driver errors, leading to frequent safety car interruptions that can significantly impact the race’s outcome.
