Hamilton: "I didn't feel like I'd ever left the water"

Lewis Hamilton felt like he had never been away after the six-time Formula 1 champion concluded the second day of Mercedes' private 'test'.

Hamilton lapped Silverstone in his 2018 title-winning Mercedes W09 as the team attempted to adapt to the new F1 health and safety protocols.

Face masks and visors are now commonplace, but for Hamilton, it was all about the buzz of getting back behind the wheel.

"The test is over and honestly, it felt just great to be back in the car," said Hamilton. "A lot of fun.

"When you leave the garage the first time, you get this buzz. It doesn't matter how many years you do it, it always just feels new and fresh, which is great.

"Obviously, this is an older car, but it still felt fantastic."

Valtteri Bottas had been in the car on Tuesday before Hamilton took over driving duties, and somewhat ominously for the rest of the field, the champion said it felt as though the break had never happened.

Hamilton added: "In general, we just got through a solid programme. Valtteri's was dry, my day started off wet and it was quite greasy the Silverstone track, but obviously, I grew up in this kind of weather here, so I'm used to it.

"I was still able to get a good feel of the car. I didn't feel like I'd ever left the water, so that's a positive.

"I think every time you take a big break, I think it's 103-days or something, you're always wondering whether you can still drive, so it's a good feeling to know that obviously I can."

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