Hamilton Delivers Honest Verdict On Mercedes's W15 After Testing

Sunday, 25 February 2024 at 23:15

Lewis Hamilton talked over how the pre-season tests at Bahrain International Circuit went for Mercedes with their W15.

Mercedes's 2024 challenger- W15, is a significant change compared to the previous models of the car that the team ren during seasons 2022 and 2023.

The three testing days in Bahrain serve for teams to test their new cars on track, get familiar with them, try various setups, and prepare for the first race of the season that takes place only a week later.

After finishing his last run on the final day of testing, the seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton told the media in Bahrain:

"We've had a solid three days here in Bahrain. We managed to get through all of our planned programme."

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There were two stoppages caused by a loose drain cover on the curb ahead of turn 11, which was dangerous for drivers and their cars.

In fact, Lewis Hamilton ran over it on the second day of testing, but he was luckier than Charles Leclerc, who also ran over the loose drain cover and needed to change the floor on his car as a result of the damage. The 39-year-old continued:

"The car has been handling well and correlates to the feeling we had on the simulator ahead of coming here. We've got a very good base to build from."

On the one hand, Mercedes is in a much better position than the team was at this time last season. On the other hand, the British driver admits Red Bull remains ahead:

"We're aware that there's a lot more lap time to find. We knew that would be the case ahead of the test, and Red Bull are looking very strong once again."

In terms of what specific areas he would like to improve on W15 as soon as possible, Hamilton asserted he would like more downforce on his car as he added:

"Nevertheless, I’m confident that we’re in a much better place than we were 12 months ago. We now need to focus on firstly getting the most out of the package we have and secondly, adding more downforce and trying to close that gap."