Hamilton heads to Baku seeking 'improved performance'

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Lewis Hamilton is determined to improve his performance in Baku where the Mercedes driver lucked in to a win last year but struggled on previous visits to the challenging street circuit.

After enduring the dominance of his Mercedes team mate in Australia, Hamilton overhauled Valtteri Bottas in the drivers' standings thanks to two consecutive wins in Bahrain and China.

Wolff: Mercedes focused on 'staying out of trouble' in Baku

On the shores of the Caspian Sea, Hamilton will seek to increase his six-point lead over the Finn in the championship while also keeping his ever-present Ferrari rivals at bay.

"It's a really great track and it's one that I've honestly struggled at a little bit, particularly last year," Hamilton said.

"It will be interesting, and I'm going there with a mindset that I've got to try and improve my previous years' performance."

Last year, Hamilton owed his win to the unfortunate puncture that robbed Bottas of an almost certain win just three laps from the checkered flag.

"I was fortunate to get the win there last year but I wasn't quick enough really through the weekend," added the reigning world champion.

"So that's a place I expect Valtteri to be quick and I expect the Ferraris to be particularly quick."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.