Lewis Hamilton hails parts of Mercedes’ 2024 F1 preparation as “best I’ve ever seen”

Lewis Hamilton has described Mercedes’ pre-season preparation for the 2024 F1 season as “massively encouraging” with some elements of it the best he’s “ever seen” during his time at the team.

Hamilton will enter his 12th and final F1 season with Mercedes when the new campaign kicks off on Saturday at the Bahrain Grand Prix ahead of his sensational switch to Ferrari next year.

The seven-time world champion will be eager to end his time with Mercedes on a high, particularly as he’s not won a race in F1 since the end of 2021.

In a bid to do so, Mercedes have introduced an entirely new car for 2024 with significant changes compared to its predecessor.

While it’s widely regarded that Mercedes are behind Red Bull and potentially Ferrari in the F1 pecking order ahead of the first race, they’re in a better place to challenge as the season progresses.

Giving his thoughts on the three days of running in Bahrain, Hamilton said: “Overall, it’s been a really good test. I’m really proud of everyone trackside and those back at the factory.

“Every single woman and man has been working tirelessly, both at Brackley, Brixworth, and here in Bahrain.

“It’s massively encouraging and great to see everyone working so well together. The focus, determination, and communication is the best I’ve ever seen.”

Mercedes teammate George Russell has already stated that the W15 is “easier to drive”. 

Hamilton is aware Mercedes still have a lot of work to do but believes it’s a “great platform to build on”.

“We know we’ve got work to do and we’re not yet where we want to be. We knew that would be the case coming into the test though. We’ve got a great platform to build on.

“We’ll go away and work hard over the next couple of days to go through all the data from the test.

“I’m really excited for the start of the season next week and we’ll be heading into it in good shape.”