Hamilton: Mercedes' W11 'a step forward from last year'

Lewis Hamilton may not have been the Mercedes driver to top the Formula 1 pre-season timesheets, but he is confident in the step up in machinery that his team have given him for the coming year.

Pre-season testing was shrunk from eight days to just six for the 2020 season, and Hamilton highlighted just how quickly that time had passed.

"We made it through testing!" said Hamilton. "It's crazy how quickly these past two weeks have gone. It's been intense, with a huge amount of work from everybody at the track and back home at the factories."

Being the last year in a set of relatively stable regulations, the hope had been that the field would close up and there would be a closer battle for the title.

However, the innovative Dual-Axis Steering (DAS) system coupled with a completely reworked rear suspension geometry for Mercedes have seemingly given them a greater advantage over their rivals than they previously enjoyed.

Obviously, fuel loads and engine modes run during testing are complete unknown factors, but Hamilton spoke confidently ahead of the season opener in Melbourne.

"The car's feeling like a step forward from last year, but it's clear we've still got a few issues we need to iron out ahead of Melbourne," continued Hamilton. "I've got total confidence in the team and know they'll be doing everything they can to make sure we arrive in Australia in a good place.

"The start of the new season comes around so quickly and now we go racing in just two weeks' time. I can't wait."

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