BAKU, Azerbaijan -- Lewis Hamilton said he respected a gentleman's agreement with Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas in their fight for victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix out of respect for his team.
Hamilton had a good getaway off the line and appeared to have the advantage going into Turn 1, going in slightly ahead of Bottas, who started from pole position. Hamilton gave Bottas enough space on the outside to not compromise the Finn's exit from Turn 1 and he ultimately lost the drag race out of the next corner.
It was as close as Hamilton got to the lead and he would settle for second position.