Hamilton talks about the maiden European Grand Prix, ‘moaning’ F1 drivers

Defending Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton said his fellow competitors “moan” too much ahead of the European Grand Prix this weekend.

The F1 calendar has made its way to Azerbaijan for the first time, with the drivers set to race around the scenic streets of Baku.

However, the circuit has come under fire from sections of the paddock, mainly over a lack of run-off areas around the venue which could pose a safety risk.

But Hamilton – who was fastest in both free practice sessions on Friday – believes his colleagues’ concerns should just be treated as “a part of racing”.

“One thing for sure, these drivers they moan so much, so much, about so many things,” the Mercedes driver said.

“I guarantee you… it’s really bumpy down the main straight and you can’t really see turn one that well when the car’s vibrating so it’s really hard, but that’s a part of racing.

“These guys want it to be smooth, like smoother than ever and have no vibrations and no bumps and they want to take all the character and life out of these tracks. I’m glad that this has bumps but I guarantee you today there’s going to be some people that say those things and I’ll just sit there and smile!

“Configuration-wise this is not massively challenging but this is a big-ball track where you really need your balls with you through here. Just like in Monaco, where you’re coming down at 200mph and once you commit to the corner…

“Turn one you can dive out and go straight on but turn three you commit to the corner and if you don’t make it you’re in the wall, just like in Monaco.

“So that’s what I’m saying, you really need your confidence and you need to have your bits together.”