Hamilton feels Mercedes reliability 'as strong as ever'

Lewis Hamitlon has praised the team effort at Mercedes that helped them finish the first Formula 1 pre-season test with the fastest two cars on track,

Hamilton was second to team-mate Valtteri Bottas and the Brit has often said that Mercedes win as a team and lose as a team ans despite the fact it was merely testing, Hamilton believes that this effort represents a good result for the team.

"It's been a great effort from the team and great to see that the reliability is as strong as it is," said Hamilton.

"The car has felt pretty good out there. It's been a solid first week and we've got some good mileage.

"It's a true showing of all the incredible work everyone has done back at the factory and here at the track. I'm really proud of everyone."

All eyes turned to the German manufacturer when the Dual-Axis Steering (DAS) system was first used on Thursday but, even with this innovation, Hamilton urged his team not to take their eyes off the prize and to continue pushing.

"We've got to keep working hard, analyse all the data from this week and figure out how we can move the car forward and build on everything next week," added the reigning champion.

The second test begins on Wednesday 26 February, again taking place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

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