Lewis Hamilton eyes improvement at Azerbaijan F1 Grand Prix despite win in Baku last year

LEWIS HAMILTON wants a better performance from himself at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend to keep him at the top of the drivers' standings.

The Mercedes driver has been in sparkling form this season, winning two of the three opening races, including the 1000th GP in China last time around.

But the 34-year-old Brit is keen to improve his racing at the Baku City Circuit – despite claiming victory on the street track 12 months ago, as reported by Sky Sports.

The five-time world champion said: "It's a really great track and it's one that I've honestly struggled at a little bit, particularly last year.

"It will be interesting, and I'm going there with a mindset that I've got to try and improve my previous years' performance."

Despite last season's win, it was the only time Hamilton has reached the podium in three attempts, having finished fifth in previous years.

Yet, the victory was far from straightforward 12 months ago, needing plenty of luck to take the chequered flag and the 25 points.

I was fortunate to get the win there last year but I wasn't quick enough really through the weekend.

In a safety car galore race and with three laps to go, Sebastian Vettel attempted to pass Valtteri Bottas, only to overrun the turn causing him to drop to fourth.

That saw Hamilton push up to second and was in front the following lap as his Mercedes team-mate – leading by over a second – suffered a tyre puncture and was forced to retire.

It was an easy drive to the finish line from then on for the Brit to take his first win of 11 in his title-winning season.

Hamilton said: "I was fortunate to get the win there last year but I wasn't quick enough really through the weekend.

"So that's a place I expect Valtteri to be quick and I expect the Ferraris to be particularly quick."

While all eyes will be on Hamilton to claim a third win of the campaign and further cement his bid to claim a sixth world title, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes he will have to keep his Finnish team-mate in mind.

Wolff said: "Valtteri drove a strong race last year but a puncture denied hi a well-deserved victory shortly before the end.

"He's had a good start to this season and I'm sure he will be hungry to go for the points he didn't get last year."

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