Lewis Hamilton Cautious on Mercedes’ Prospects Despite Improved W15 Performance
Lewis Hamilton, after completing his first test with Mercedes’ new W15 car, remains cautious about the team’s chances of catching up to Red Bull at the start of the upcoming Formula 1 season. Despite noting improvements in the new car compared to its predecessor, Hamilton described the W15 as a “work in progress” and stressed the need for further development.
Covering 123 laps at the Bahrain International Circuit, Hamilton acknowledged the positive changes in the car’s performance, stating that it felt “much more enjoyable to drive.” However, he tempered expectations, acknowledging that Red Bull appears to have a significant advantage at this stage.
Mercedes’ trackside engineer director, Andrew Shovlin, echoed Hamilton’s sentiments, emphasizing the team’s progress in understanding the W15 and addressing handling flaws present in the previous model. While encouraged by the positive feedback from drivers Hamilton and George Russell, Shovlin emphasized the need for continued analysis and refinement to optimize performance.
Despite the optimism surrounding Mercedes’ improvements, Shovlin acknowledged that rival teams may have concealed their true pace during testing. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in Mercedes’ current position compared to the previous year, noting significant strides made in addressing underlying issues.
As Mercedes prepares for the upcoming season, the focus remains on fine-tuning the W15 and maximizing its potential on the race track. While challenges lie ahead, both Hamilton and the team are determined to build on their progress and compete at the highest level in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.
