Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Aston Martin Aramco driver Lance Stroll reflects on the team's signing of Adrian Newey as Managing Technical Partner and reveals what he enjoys most about driving in Baku – the scene of his first podium in Formula One. 

The team announced the appointment of Adrian Newey this week. What was your reaction when you first found out?

"I was delighted to hear that Adrian had agreed to join our team. Everyone connected to the sport knows the brilliant work he's done in the past and the success he has helped deliver, and any driver would love to work with him.

"It will be great to gain an insight into his expertise. He's got vast experience of working inside serial championship-winning teams, and so to be able to work alongside him going forwards will be really exciting."

What will Adrian bring to the team?

"He brings a huge amount of expertise and a winning mentality from the success he's enjoyed over the years. He knows what it takes to win, so it's great that he's joining us on our journey.

"Adrian is the best in the world at what he does and it's testament to what we're building that he wants to help us achieve our ambition of fighting for World Championships.

"It's great for everyone in the team to have someone of his calibre showing he believes in our project."

What are the challenges of Baku City Circuit?

"Baku is one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar but usually provides great racing because of that. The walls are really close, so there's no room for error, especially in sector two which provides some of the tightest sections of racetrack of the entire season.

"Those characteristics mean that there's a high probability of Safety Cars, so we need to be sharp in terms of strategy to capitalise on any opportunities that come our way.

"It's also unlike many other street circuits because of the ultra-fast, long straights – particularly the run down to Turn One from the final corner. You need to find the right blend between stability through the corners and low drag down the straights."

What do you enjoy about racing in Baku?

"The variety and the unpredictability that the circuit provides is what makes racing here so exciting.

"You need to be very precise through the middle sector, winding around the walls and trying to pick up time, and then position your car to attack down the main straight into Turn One, where there's a high chance of overtaking."

You scored your first F1 podium in Baku in 2017. What are your memories of that and is returning each season extra special?

"Baku will always have a place in my heart because it's where I scored my maiden podium. It was a typically unpredictable race, with multiple Safety Cars and a red flag period, which highlighted how important it is to keep things clean and work together as a team.

"Even though I just missed out on finishing second, crossing the line in a podium position was an unbelievable feeling, especially as a rookie. It was all such a blur at the time; it took a while to sink in."

We're entering the final third of the season. How is the team approaching the rest of the year?

"It's vital we keep pushing. The field is so competitive at the moment and we need to optimise everything. With little change in the regulations for 2025, what we learn throughout the remainder of the season will only benefit us next year."