Mercedes denies big W08 weight loss

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has denied that its W08 Silver Arrows has shed 5kg of excessive weight in its latest revamped version which appeared at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Niki Lauda recently underlined Mercedes' focus on the weight of its 2017 new-spec car as it battles Ferrari for the championship this year.

Lewis Hamilton's performance in Barcelona had many in the paddock suggesting that a relatively lighter car had perhaps contributed to the Brit's performance.

"We tried to improve aerodynamic efficiency and reduce weight, but we're not talking about five kilograms," Wolff told Spain's El Mundo Deportivo.

"In Formula 1 it is difficult to make big steps like that -- they are all small. We are working more with grams than kilograms," he added.

The importance of weight was also stressed by Hamilton admitting after his win in Spain that he had ditched his in-car drink-bottle despite the increased demands imposed on drivers this year.

"I don't carry drinks in my car to save weight," he revealed.

"I was a little bit tired after that one."

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