F1 Testing: Lewis Hamilton Warns Against Writing Off Mercedes After Miserable Stint

Mercedes F1 had far from the ideal pre-season testing ahead of a challenging 2021 campaign. The new W12 seems to have some handling issues as Lewis Hamilton found out, to his dismay, not once but twice during the final two days of testing. However, despite the setbacks, the 7-times world champion is adamant that his team can bounce back from the early setback.

About Mercedes’ imperfect pre-season tests, Hamilton said, “I don’t waste time worrying. I think everyone’s just keeping their heads down. No-one is phased by it. We are a multi championship winning team, and we know how to pull together and keep our head down, and focus on the job.”

Lewis failed to top the time sheets in any session right through the course of pre-season testing. However, his teammate Valtteri Bottas did so during the evening session of day 2. Nonetheless, for the best team on the grid, they would have expected much better. Apart from Hamilton’s off-track excursions, the opening day was plagued with gearbox issues for Bottas as well.

Nevertheless, Hamilton believes that if there is any time to make a mistake and dig out flaws, it is now.

Lewis Hamilton looks at the silver lining from Bahrain tests with Mercedes

The Silver Arrows superstar said, “We are just working hard and focusing on getting through the short amount of testing we have and trying to be as efficient as we possibly can with it.

“I think it’s better when it doesn’t go smoothly, or it’s better that it doesn’t go smooth now and goes smooth once we get into the racing scene. So, this is the perfect time for us to find the issues and have the problems, so I welcome that.”

The pre-season tests weren’t convincing, but it doesn’t really paint the real picture since performance and lap times are not the main focus of teams.

However, it will be interesting to see if the Brackley-based outfit can give Hamilton and Bottas a more evenly balanced car for the season opener. If they fail to do that, then F1 fans might have a really good chance of witnessing a title race that goes down to the wire.

Also Read: VIDEO: Lewis Hamilton Ruins Mercedes’ Precious Plans With Costly Spin in F1 Testing