Hamilton: Mercedes the best, but getting better

Lewis Hamilton says four title-winning years on the bounce make Mercedes the finest squad in Formula 1. However, the drivers' champion has warned the likes of Ferrari and Red Bull that the Silver Arrows are determined to build further on their success.

Mercedes have dominated the hybrid era, sweeping titles in the individual and constructors' standings since the engine rules changed in 2014.

Hamilton has been responsible for three of the drivers' titles, but is delighted with the ongoing progress he sees in his squad.

"Mercedes already is the best team and it continues to grow into a stronger team," Hamilton told The Voice.

"The foundation is very strong and now they're putting the right building bricks in place.

"I think the team is going to continue to grow and I hope that I can be a part of that for as long as I can."

Hamilton expects the Silver Arrows' rivals over recent years to run them close again.

McLaren have been tipped to get in on the act with Renault power on board, and Hamilton believes the fight at the front could be congested this year.

"Naturally you can imagine that it is going to be very close with Ferrari and Red Bull who were so competitive at the end of the year. But maybe another team will surprise as well."

Mercedes already look to have made a step forward in 2018, Hamilton's best time in last week's practice was quicker than anything he had managed in pre-season a year ago, and he admits that such expectation brings a certain level of apprehension.

Testing. A time when all of the theory, research and hard work over winter are put to the test. After the weather we've seen this week it felt awesome putting in 69 laps today. Looking forward to putting in more laps ? @MercedesAMGF1 #F1Testing #F1 #DrivenByEachOther pic.twitter.com/PjfqKwOfD3 — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) March 1, 2018

"To be honest, the pressure I put on myself has always been the most," he said. "But there's added pressure.

"You're nervous about damaging the car that all these people have worked so hard on – but I know that they don't think about that.

"They know that I am going to give it everything and that's what they want to see.

"I know what potential I have in me and I just want to make sure I utilise that and bring the out the maximum potential of the great machine the team has built."