Hamilton doubts 2019 changes will make a difference

Lewis Hamilton says he doubts the new front wings for 2019 will improve the racing. The reigning world champion was asked about the aerodynamic rules tweaks introduced for the new season, designed to make it easier for cars to follow each other.

Simplified front wings, bigger DRS openings on the rear wing and more tweaks have been brought in as the sport's organisers try to boost racing action.

Follow @GPFansGlobal on Instagram for behind-the-scenes access from across the testing fortnight.

One consequence of the new rules was expected to be slower cars, although teams appear to have made up much of the lap time already in pre-season testing and Hamilton is unsure the changes have made a difference.

"For me it's the same," the Mercedes driver said in his first media appearance in Barcelona.

"In terms of feeling, hardly anything has changed. The foundation is just the same.

Back to it ???? Lewis takes W10 for another spin! #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/aTDpUpNcsX — Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) February 21, 2019

"Ok, the front wing is slightly different which affects the balance in the corners a bit. I'm curious to see what the effect will be in the race, but for now it just feels like a normal Formula 1 car from this era," Hamilton added.

"Slightly less downforce, but that was to be expected."

At present, the pecking order for 2019 appears to have Mercedes behind not only Ferrari, but also Red Bull.

But Hamilton is confident his formerly dominant team can remain a force.

"We are the only team that has won consecutive world championships with big changes in the rules in between," he said.

"So I'm convinced that even if we do not immediately start ahead at the first race, we will still be able to improve ourselves."

MORE: Ferrari quicker than Mercedes, Wolff admits
MORE: Red Bull 'ahead of Mercedes' thanks to 'rocket' Honda