Lewis Hamilton expects to race in F1 Canadian GP despite back pain in Baku

Lewis Hamilton says he expects to be able to take part in this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix despite suffering back pain during Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The 37-year-old struggled to get out of his Mercedes cockpit after the 51-lap race in Baku, after complaining that “my back is killing me” over the team radio. Both Hamilton and his teammate, George Russell, suffered as a result of their cars “porpoising” – bouncing on the track as a result of new aerodynamic regulations.

Hamilton later described the race as the most painful of his career. “I was biting down on my teeth with the pain,” the seven-time world champion said. “I can’t express it. Adrenaline got me through. You were just praying for it to end.” The Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, feared Hamilton might not have been able to race in Montreal.

But in a story posted to his Instagram account, Hamilton appeared to allay any concerns. “I’ll be there this weekend,” he said. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“Yesterday was tough and I had some troubles sleeping but I have woke up feeling positive today,” Hamilton added. “Back is a little sore and bruised but nothing serious thankfully. I’ve had acupuncture and physio with Angela [Cullen] and I am on the way to my team to work with them on improving.

“We have to keep fighting,” said Hamilton, who is attending Mercedes’ Brackley factory on Monday after finishing fourth in Baku. “No time like the present to pull together, and we will.”

On Sunday, Wolff apologised to Hamilton for the continued issues with his car this season. “We all know it’s a bit of a shit box to drive at the moment, and sorry about the back, but we’ll sort ourselves out,” the Austrian said.

Russell, who finished third behind the Red Bulls