Hamilton shuts down theory after frustrating Azerbaijan GP: 'Why would I agree with that?'

With Ferrari’s lack of straight-line speed compared to Constructors’ leaders Mercedes once again on show in Baku, Hamilton struggled to make his way through the order in Azerbaijan’s capital, finishing exactly where he qualified prior to the Grand Prix.

“These guys just seem to just power, power, power everywhere, which is pretty crazy to see,” Hamilton told media, including GPblog. The seven-time world champion also explained how he struggled with his tyres all throughout the Azerbaijan GP weekend. "I don’t think I ever really got the tyres to switch on. And I can’t quite grasp why that is the case with our car," the Ferrari driver added.

Meanwhile, Ferrari's rivals Red Bull, armed with upgrades for the Baku weekend, secured an impressive double podium on Saturday, with Max Verstappen finishing only one tenth behind winner George Russell at the chequered flag. Isack Hadjar was also on strong form, scoring his second podium of the season upon his return from a three-race hiatus due to injury.

As well as Red Bull, McLaren's overall uptick in performance - even if Saturday's race proved disastrous with Lando Norris' DNF, and Oscar Piastri's crucial Lap 36 lock up that eventually saw him in P14 - has led to the suggestion Ferrari could now be as low as fourth in the 2026 pecking order, having once looked the most likely to challenge Mercedes for the Constructors' title.

Hamilton was tetchy at such a suggestion when it was put to him following his P6 finish in Baku. The seven-time world champion questioned: "What's the importance of that? Why would I agree with it?"

The Ferrari driver did, however, give his view on where Ferrari stack up, arguing that the Scuderia are "obviously" no longer the second quickest team in F1, but perhaps still ahead of the McLarens after their disappointing display in Baku.

"I mean, I don't know where we are. Third or second? I don't know. We're obviously not the second quickest at the moment, but we're ahead of McLaren today, so maybe we're third," Hamilton concluded.