Mercedes launch two thousand seventeen F1 car: five things we learned as Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas drive W08 s very first laps – Mirror Online
Mercedes launch two thousand seventeen F1 car: five things we learned as Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas drive W08’s very first laps
Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas both got their very first laps at the wheel of the fresh Mercedes F1 car at Silverstone on Thursday
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- 13:32, twenty four FEB 2017
- Updated 13:33, twenty four FEB 2017
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Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas helped launch Mercedes’ fresh F1 car at a blustery Silverstone on Wednesday.
The defending champions are looking for a fourth straight drivers’/constructors’ dual but, for the very first time since Hamilton substituted Michael Schumacher in 2013, have had to switch their driver line-up.
World champ Nico Rosberg has suspended up his helmet so Mercedes have turned to Williams for Finn Valtteri Bottas as replacement.
The rules have also switched with the cars looking rather different this year – fatter tyres, lower rear rings and broader cars – all part of the latest shake-up of regulations.
Mercedes have predominated F1 since the engine rules switched in 2014. They’ve only lost eight races in the last three seasons – such is their advantage over everyone else.
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Now it’s up to the W08 to proceed that success in the face of renewed challenges from the likes of Crimson Bull and Ferrari.
Hamilton is ready for the challenge
It was clear that losing out to Nico Rosberg last year hurt Lewis Hamilton a lot.. But now the world champ is gone, the rules have switched and he has a fresh teammate – who he has a message for.
“The practice of last year has helped me strenghten. I feel this year that I am stronger. I feel more finish as a driver. I feel like I am the best ready I have ever been. I didn’t win the world championship last year and I want to switch that.”
This is a man who is on a mission to win his fourth world title and, on paper at least, is in the best position to do just that.
When asked for his thoughts on Rosberg’s retirement, Hamilton replied: “Every now and then I have a thought of ‘what I will do afterwards?’ and then I see that car and I am like ‘I think I am going to stay’.
“I don’t know how long I will stay but I am still competitive, still thirsty and driving at my best so I will proceed to do so no matter who I race against so I can put up a good fight.”
No Rosberg, no problem (for now)
You may have noticed over the last three years but there was a bit of pressure inbetween Hamilton and Rosberg. Comings together, ‘ capgate ‘ and three championship battles in which they were the only contenders took their toll on the pair’s relationship which the team had to attempt and maintain.
All switch now tho’.
A chance to commence afresh with a fresh relationship inbetween two drivers who don’t indeed know each other. Both admitted at the launch they’ve not spoken to each other much before and only met a duo of times since Bottas joined in January.
Team boss Toto Wolff is hoping for a more harmonious relationship.
“It’s a downright fresh dynamic,” he said. “I see it as an chance to begin from square one with a healthy relationship. There are no games, no warfare because there is no history.
“There is a solid foundation that the relationship works well. But you have to be realistic that when they get out there, it is about winning races and championships, and the rivalry could be difficult.”
