Lewis Hamilton is impressed with the commitment and communication demonstrated by Mercedes during the F1 2024 testing, considering it the best he has witnessed in his tenure with the team. The three-day test in Bahrain saw the new W15 car completing 361 laps, securing second place on the timesheets on the final day. Despite George Russell, Hamilton’s teammate, finishing just 0.046 seconds behind Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, Hamilton believes Mercedes has a strong foundation to build upon with the W15.
Having announced his departure to Ferrari at the end of 2024, Hamilton, who has endured two winless seasons, praises the team’s determination and teamwork, stating that the focus and communication are the best he has seen. Despite acknowledging that there is work to be done, Hamilton is optimistic about the team’s potential, describing the W15 as a “great platform to build on.”
George Russell, who secured Mercedes’ last F1 win at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix, echoes Hamilton’s sentiments, emphasizing that the W15 provides a solid starting point for the team. While acknowledging that Red Bull remains a strong competitor, Russell is confident that Mercedes has made significant progress compared to the previous year. The team aims to maximize the current package, enhance downforce, and narrow the performance gap as they head into the upcoming season with optimism.