Hamilton: 'We weren't talking nonsense' in winter testing

The five-time world champion said during the second week of collective testing in Barcelona that the Team was half a second ahead of Mercedes. A gap that Mattia Binotto, boss of the Reds, tried to minimize immediately. 

Three days before the 2019 campaign kicks off in Melbourne, Hamilton persists and signs, repeating that his team has work to do. 

« It's difficult to gauge the forces involved and know where everyone stands, declared the Briton this Thursday at the FIA ​​press conference. We will know more tomorrow with the first free practice sessions. Things will become even clearer during qualifying and a first hierarchy will be put in place after a few races. But we said we had work to do and we weren't talking nonsense..., we're going to have to roll up our sleeves ». 

For the first time since the advent of V6 turbo hybrids in 2014, Mercedes is not entering a season with the label of favorite but Hamilton is convinced that the German manufacturer has the resources, particularly human resources, to rectify the situation. 

« It’s motivating to see the energy in the team, added the reigning champion. Communication between us has never been better. After the winter tests, Toto (Wolff, boss of Mercedes, Editor’s note) rallied the troops. It’s really impressive to see so many people driven by the same passion for racing and their profession. 

Everyone is looking to improve and we know where we can make progress. It’s very encouraging to see that. I know the guys are warriors, real fighters who will give absolutely everything to help the team progress. ». 

Threatened by Ferrari over the past two seasons, Mercedes has already proven that it knows how to react in adversity.