Hamilton expecting stiff challenge from Red Bull and Ferrari in Baku

Lewis Hamilton reckons that Mercedes will have strong competition from Ferrari and Red Bull in this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as the Silver Arrows’ rivals will both arrive for the race in Baku with upgrades on their respective power units.

Mercedes have dominated the opening races to the 2019 season, with Hamilton winning two races and Valtteri Bottas winning one.

Hamilton compares Ferrari situation to McLaren in 2007Read more

They currently lead the constructor’s championship by 58 points, but the five-time world champion expects both Ferrari and Red Bull to provide a stiffer challenge on Sunday.

“This weekend, Ferrari should be really quick,” he speculated.

“They’ve got an upgrade, [and the track’s] worked well for them in previous years. Red Bull, with a new power unit, should be even closer.

“I know we’ll be in the mix and we’ll really work towards being at the front of that mix.”

Hamilton says Mercedes have been attempting to focus on their own data so they can identify their strengths and weaknesses to improve moving forward.

“We have understood a lot of analysis,” he said.

“Where our weaknesses were, where our strengths were in the last race. I hope coming here we have a better understanding already compared to what we did in the first three [races].

“But [Ferrari] are quick on the straights, so I anticipate they’ll be very, very strong this weekend.”

Hamilton currently enjoys a six-point lead over Bottas in the driver’s championship.

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