Lewis Hamilton has reacted quite positively to what Mercedes has to offer after the pre-season testing that held last week. The seven-time world champion revealed that the team has improved, describing the car as “a much better car to start the season with”. This is better feedback than he gave last year when he said that the car had not fixed the issues he raised in 2022. 

In his last season with the German team, it seems they may have identified some of the issues that have kept their car from performing well these past two years. The sub-par performance was the chief reason behind Hamilton’s signing with Ferrari, but that may no longer be the case. 

Describing his experience behind the wheels on Wednesday, Hamilton said this season’s car “felt much more enjoyable to drive.” This is a big deal coming from Hamilton, who never failed to hide his displeasure with the car from the previous season. A more enjoyable experience means the car may be returning to standards the 39-year-old driver has always been familiar with – the standards that helped him win six world championships. 

But Hamilton is quite realistic about his experience. As good as it may have felt behind the wheels of the W15, he still thinks they are nowhere near last year’s Red Bull, who he said are “clearly are out in the distance”. Max Verstappen’s performance at the circuit in Bahrain last week shows Red Bull is ready to dominate another season as they are not relenting on their performance. 

Still, Hamilton remains undeterred and believes with this new car, Mercedes can be a contender this season and put up and impressive fight against Red Bull. He explained that even though he had signed his contract with Ferrari for the 2025 season, he still very much wants to lead Mercedes to as many victories as possible this year.

Leon Osamor