Button and Hamilton confident

Stripped of his 2008 title by his teammate Jenson Button, then at Brawn GP, ​​then defeated in the battle against Hag last season, Lewis Hamilton is fully inflated to restyle the crown. To this end, he has high hopes for the benefits of the new technical regulations.

« I welcome these changes. The SREC, I know it, while the rear wing should help with overtaking, which is good for sport and spectacle, confided Lewis Hamilton to our British colleagues at Autosport. I also welcome the possibility of seeing more pit stops. Even if you have to compete in a race with as little respect as possible, the Pirelli tires seem less durable. It's up to us to make sure they last as long as possible. We seem to be performing well, at least as competitive as last year. It's positive and it couldn't get better ».

Presented yesterday in Berlin, revealing flattering curves different from the competition, its McLaren-Mercedes MP4-26 contains new gadgets for the pilot to help him in his task. The steering wheel, for example, usually complicated with its plethora of knobs, now has controls for the SREC and the movable rear wing.

"CIt was a challenge to make the functionalities as practical as possible. The engineers presented us with some good ideas. Okay, but when you are 100% for your qualification, using the SREC and the rear wing might be complicated. In racing, it should be easier », he concluded.

As for Jenson Button, he hopes to reap the rewards of his first year with the Woking team. “ It's strange to think that this is only my second year with McLaren. I have felt so good there since last January, he told reporters. According to our simulations, the Pirelli tires seem to suit my driving style well. I hope to get some out of it in races. I can't wait to get behind the wheel From now on ". Its first tests will take place next week in Jerez.