Lewis Hamilton Calls Mercedes Needs To Perfect W14

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. (Photo: Twitter @MercedesAMGF1)

JAKARTA - Formula One (F1) racer Lewis Hamilton said Mercedes still needed to perfect their race car, W14, following a number of issues during pre-season tests at the Bahrain International Circuit.

"I think it's difficult to conclude (the Mercedes pre-season test). I think we had a difficult few days, especially yesterday (the second day of the test) was very difficult. The first day didn't feel too bad, but yesterday (the second day) was a little more difficult," Hamilton said as quoted by Antara, Sunday, 26 February.

On the second day of the pre-season test, his team-mate George Russell caused the red flag to be flown after being forced to stop at the track due to the hydraulic problem of the W14 which he was driving interfered with the car's balance.

The Briton did not return to action and finally recorded only 26 laps in P13 in the afternoon session, after Hamilton devoured 72 laps and finished P15 in the morning session.

At the test in the morning, Hamilton was also disturbed by some damage to the car floor so the team had to make repairs.

However, Hamilton praised Mercedes' breakthrough for W14 for making a lot of adjustments, especially for reducing vehicle weights. He said last season's shortfalls such as porpiising tend to be resolved in this new car.

"Currently, for example, the reflection we have is gone quite a lot, so that's a big step for us. It's great fun driving it, but there are still some basic things we are working on further," Hamilton said.

"We are overcoming it (deficiencies last season). But I am very proud of everyone in the team to stay positive after a difficult year last year," he added.