Lewis Hamilton eyes qualifying improvement in Austrian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton is targeting an improved showing in qualifying as he attempts to win the Austrian Grand Prix for the first time this weekend.

The reigning world champion had a Saturday to forget in Baku last time out as he broke his front suspension having clipped the barrier to wipe out his chances of pole position.

That allowed Nico Rosberg to take top spot and Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate led from start to finish in Azerbaijan to extend his championship lead to 24 points.

But Hamilton is refusing to dwell on what might have been as Formula One moves onto Austria this weekend and the Briton is keen to top the podium in Spielberg.

“Baku started out great but, clearly, it just wasn’t meant to be that weekend,” he said.

“It’s a shame I wasn’t really in the race – but there’s no point talking about ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’. It’s one to put behind me, take the positives in terms points on the board and move on.

“We’ve got an old school track there in Spielberg. It’s fast, with a good flow to it. It’s tough to overtake but there are places you can try something different so that’s a good challenge.

“It’s definitely a big advantage starting up front there, though, so I need to get back on it in qualifying and do a better job than last time out.

“Austria is a beautiful country and I always enjoy my time there, so it would be great to get a win there and tick it off the list.”