Lewis Hamilton struggles in Azerbaijan as Ferrari star Charles Leclerc sets practice pace
LEWIS HAMILTON’s struggles have continued in Azerbaijan with Ferrari quickest again in the third practice session.
Charles Leclerc was fastest on Friday, and the youngster was quickest again on Saturday morning.
Leclerc was two tenths of a second quicker than Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel.
And there was a gap of over one second to Max Verstappen in third during the final practice session.
Lewis Hamilton had looked like he was on for a good time, appearing to be pretty much level with Leclerc’s opening lap.
But the Brit finished half-a-second down before Leclerc went and improved his lap considerably.
Following Friday’s sessions, Leclerc had revealed his concern over Mercedes’ pace, believing they had more to come.
The 21-year-old had said: "I am very happy, I like the track a lot and it has been a good day.
"The car in general was OK. I felt good in the car and on this track.
"To judge the new aero package we have is quite difficult. Overall, it was a positive day.
"I think we are pretty strong but on the other hand there is a lot more to come from Mercedes.
"They were very quick on the long runs. I am pretty sure when they put everything together it is going to be very tight."
Mercedes have dominated the opening three races of the season, finishing as a one-two in every event.
Hamilton has won two of the three with Valtteri Bottas victorious in the season opener in Australia.
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But Ferrari have dominated in Azerbaijan so far and Damon Hill believes Leclerc is the man to beat.
He said: "You can tell the guy [Leclerc] is bubbling with enthusiasm. He loves this track and is the man on form.
"Sebastian Vettel got very close but this guy is trying to steal the thunder at the moment.
"Mercedes do keep quite a lot back, but Ferrari look very strong."