Tim Wigmore
Updated on: October 11, 2024 5:18 pm GMT
Lewis Hamilton and Esteban Ocon find themselves facing challenging starts at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, set to begin from the pit lane following significant penalties linked to new power unit components. Hamilton’s predicament underscores recent struggles for the Mercedes team, while Ocon contends with reliability issues that have marred his milestone race weekend.
Hamilton’s Pit Lane Start
Hamilton, who qualified in seventh position on Saturday, had hoped to capitalize on a strong showing in Baku. However, after the installation of a fifth Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), turbocharger, and two other power unit elements, he is now required to begin the race from the pit lane due to exceeding his allocation for the season. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff commented that qualifying indicated a potential for a podium finish, but the penalties have substantially altered Hamilton’s race prospects.
The 38-year-old Mercedes driver expressed disappointment, noting issues with tire temperature management during qualifying. Hamilton explained his struggle to maintain the ideal performance window, which he believes cost him critical seconds on the track. “Every single Saturday I’ve lost at least half a second to a second, and today I lost a second compared to yesterday,” Hamilton stated, illustrating his ongoing challenges throughout the 2024 season.
Ocon’s Turbulent Weekend
Ocon’s situation compounds the difficulties faced by both himself and the Alpine team. After qualifying at the back of the grid, the French driver also faced the same penalty as Hamilton by taking on new power unit elements beyond his allocated number. This Grand Prix is particularly significant for Ocon, marking his 150th race in Formula One. Despite the celebratory milestone, he has struggled with reliability problems that hindered his performance in previous sessions, contributing to a disappointing qualification result.
With both drivers starting from the pit lane, they now face an uphill battle to gain positions on the notoriously challenging street circuit, known for its tight corners and potential for incidents.
A Shifting Grid
The grid for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has undergone substantial changes due to penalties and disqualifications. Notably, Pierre Gasly was disqualified from qualifying over a fuel flow breach, and Zhou Guanyu was already slated to start from the back of the grid for exceeding his own power unit component allowances. Consequently, this dynamic will open up opportunities for drivers like Lando Norris, who moves up to 15th on the grid from an initial qualifying position of 17th. Norris expressed frustration over his early exit from qualifying, which he attributed to multiple challenges during the session.
One significant aspect of the upcoming race is the extended drag reduction system (DRS) zone along the home straight, which could facilitate overtaking maneuvers, particularly for those driver starting at the rear. Hamilton and Ocon, armed with the intention of reclaiming positions, will rely on strategic overtakes and potential safety car periods to gain ground.
Leclerc’s Advantage
In contrast to the challenges facing Hamilton and Ocon, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari secured pole position for the Grand Prix, marking his fourth consecutive pole in Baku. Leclerc aims to convert this pole into a race victory, fully aware that Norris, Ocon, and Hamilton’s penalties create a crucial opportunity in the championship standings. Oscar Piastri follows closely in second from McLaren, while teammate Carlos Sainz rounds out the top three, presenting Ferrari with a strong chance to solidify its competitive edge in the ongoing season.
The race will also see the participation of several other key drivers, including Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri, who are expected to challenge for podium positions. As the race unfolds, all eyes will be on the strategies employed by the teams, particularly regarding tire management and pit stops.
Mercedes’ Season Challenges
Wolff stated that recent changes to the floor of the Mercedes W15 were not the primary cause of their difficulties in qualifying, indicating that the team might need to reassess their approach following the influence of external factors, such as fan interference during practice sessions. This admission highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Mercedes team as they strive to regain their position as championship contenders amid a highly competitive field.
As teams prepare for the race, they are left to navigate the shifting grid dynamics and the unpredictable nature of the Baku City Circuit, known for its potential for accidents and safety cars. This unpredictable environment, combined with the penalties for Hamilton and Ocon, sets the stage for what could be an exciting and dramatic Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The race is about to start, but we don’t know yet how everything happening right now will affect the race or the championship. It’s a tough competition, so everyone needs to be ready to think ahead and adjust their plans on race day.
