F1 news: Lewis Hamilton targets historic milestone at Azerbaijan GP
Lewis Hamilton heads to the Azerbaijan GP with a chance to make history.
In this article, Sports News Blitz's Noah Ngcobo looks at Hamilton’s pursuit of making history, his search for a first Ferrari podium, and what to expect in Baku.
A record within reach
Lewis Hamilton arrives in Azerbaijan with the chance to etch another record into Formula 1 history.
If he secures victory in Baku, he will become the first driver to score 5000 world championship points.
The achievement would underline the remarkable longevity of his career, but it also hinges on whether Ferrari can deliver the speed and consistency needed on the demanding Baku street circuit.
Ferrari podium drought
Hamilton is still searching for his first podium in Ferrari colours, a surprising statistic given his illustrious career.
Across 18 previous seasons, he has always finished at least one race in the top three. Yet this year with Ferrari has proved difficult.
After 16 races in 2025, his best results have been fourth-place finishes at Imola, the Red Bull Ring, and Silverstone. And despite eight top-six finishes, the podium remains elusive.
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton finds form after Italian GP amid Ferrari challenges
Signs of progress at Monza
The Italian GP provided a small boost for Hamilton and Ferrari. Starting with a grid penalty from Zandvoort, he dropped to tenth but managed to climb to sixth by the checkered flag.
He finished only four seconds behind former team-mate George Russell, showing greater comfort in the SF-25 car.
While that progress was encouraging, Ferrari’s lack of raw pace was again exposed as Charles Leclerc finished a distant 25 seconds behind race winner Max Verstappen.
Hamilton’s realistic outlook
Speaking after Monza, Hamilton admitted that Ferrari currently lacks the pace to fight consistently with Red Bull and McLaren.
He described Ferrari as sitting around fourth or fifth in the pecking order, but added that with an exceptional performance, there is still a chance of grabbing a podium.
That assessment captures the fine balance between optimism and realism in Ferrari’s camp as they look to close the gap.
Ferrari’s strategic focus
Beyond Hamilton’s personal quest, Ferrari is also chasing bigger team goals.
The Scuderia have not won a race since Mexico in October 2024 and remains the only one of the top four teams without a victory this season.
Despite that, they sit second in the Constructors’ Championship, holding a 20-point lead over Mercedes and 41 points over Red Bull.
McLaren lead comfortably and could clinch the title in Baku if results swing their way.
Leclerc and Vasseur back Baku chances
Charles Leclerc believes that tracks like Singapore, Las Vegas, and Baku may offer Ferrari their best chances of closing the gap.
The Monegasque driver has started the last four Azerbaijan Grands Prix from pole position, which suggests Ferrari’s car tends to suit the circuit.
Team principal Frederic Vasseur echoed that view, noting that Hamilton’s performances in Zandvoort and Monza proved he can still fight with the likes of Russell, who has collected podiums this year.
Vasseur remains confident that Hamilton can break his Ferrari podium duck before the season ends.
The stakes in Baku
Hamilton’s pursuit of 5000 points and a first Ferrari podium comes together this weekend on the streets of Baku.
The narrow, high-speed circuit has often produced unpredictable races, and Ferrari’s history of strong qualifying pace in Azerbaijan offers hope.
For Hamilton, a return to the top three would not only extend one of the most remarkable streaks in F1 but also reinforce that his move to Ferrari still holds promise.
