Lewis Hamilton has driven Mercedes’ new car for the 2023 Formula 1 season for the first time.
The seven-times world champion sampled the W14 at Silverstone, where the team is conducting a filming day, which allows them to complete 100 kilometres of running in the car.
Hamilton’s team mate George Russell, who shook down the car yesterday, did the first half of the day’s running. Rain fell at the track during the day and the team began its running using full wet weather tyres.
Both drivers had already returned to the track when they conducted tyre testing for Pirelli at Jerez in Spain at the beginning of February. Hamilton said he felt in good condition after not “taking off too big a break” from his training over the winter.
“I got in the car, I did 160 something laps in Jerez, and I felt good,” he told media including RaceFans yesterday. “As always, after the first day of running the back of your neck is always a sore part, and then you just get used to it.
“I’m sure, still, after the first days that we’re running, your body is still getting accustomed to the forces, as the car should hopefully be quicker this year. Yeah, but just never just taking your eye off the ball, but still trying to also enjoy your time, to be present with the group that you’re with.”
Pictures: 2023 Mercedes F1 launch
This article will be updated
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