Mercedes Director Gives Update On Lewis Hamilton's Azerbaijan GP Brake Troubles

Mercedes technical director James Allison has given an update on Lewis Hamilton's issues during FP1 ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Early on in the session this morning, we heard the seven-time champion complain of issues with his brakes. However, this was quickly overshadowed by other on-track drama with Pierre Gasly's Alpine bursting into flames, Yuki Tsunoda colliding with the race wall causing a puncture to the rear of his AlphaTauri, and Kevin Magnussen running into trouble with a loss of fuel pressure.

Allison explained after the session that it was a simple setting change that was required to rectify Hamilton's problem. He explained:

“Lewis went out with the car where the brake-by-wire was set to 'passive' mode, so you will get around the lap safely but it is just not a high-performance mode.

"So he just had to come in and do a switch setting to get that back into good shape.”

#F1: James Allison on FP1: “Lewis went out with the car where the brake-by-wire was set to 'passive' mode, so you will get around the lap safely but it is just not a high-performance mode. So he just had to come in and do a switch setting to get that back into good shape.”
— deni (@fiagirly) April 28, 2023

Fans later heard George Russell complain of similar issues with his Mercedes W14 brakes. Responding to questions over Russell's issues, Allison continued:

“I think in George's case, the brakes were just a bit spongey so that will all get sorted out for the next session.”

“I think in George's case, the brakes were just a bit spongey so that will all get sorted out for the next session.”
— deni (@fiagirly) April 28, 2023

The qualifying session is now under way with the on-track action resuming after a red flag caused by Nyck de Vries colliding with the tyre wall at Turn 3.

The qualifying session this afternoon will determine the grid line-up for the grand prix on Sunday.