Hamilton: Some 'balance limitations' from last year present in W14

Lewis Hamilton was encouraged overall by Mercedes' pre-season test in Bahrain, but noted that the team's new W14 had retained some of the "balance limitations" of its troubled predecessor.

From the outset, Hamilton and teammate George Russell were pleased to report that no significant bouncing had been felt on the Brackley squad's new contender.

However, a hydraulics failure suffered by Russell on the second day of testing, as well as some mid-corner balance issues, prompted the team to dig in overnight to solve the problems, which it succeeded in doing.

Hamilton clocked in with the second fastest lap overall, but the Briton admitted it was difficult to get a clear snapshot of the W14's progress and performance level.

"It's difficult to sum up," he said. "We've had a couple of difficult days and yesterday particularly was difficult. The first day didn't feel too bad. Yesterday was a little bit more of a struggle.

"George has had a much better morning today [running to second in the times behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc], so things are going up, so hopefully we've got the set-up in the middle of the place.

"Right now, for example, the bouncing that we had has pretty much gone. That's a huge step for us.

"It's nice to drive it without the bouncing in the corners. But there are still some underlying things that we are working through.

"Some of the balance limitations that we had last year are present."

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• Hamilton: Mercedes has 'good platform' to start from

Mercedes' crews will pour over the troves of data from pre-season testing to help put their W14 black arrow in the best place possible for next weekend's opening race of the 2023 F1 season.

Hamilton isn't making any bold predictions, but the Briton knows that he can rely on the experience and dedication of Mercedes' crews to help him make the most next weekend of his car's current potential.

"It's going to be tough for everyone with this short period of testing," he said.

"We're trying to make sure we hit the ground running in understanding the car, the tyres and the ability to respond. There are things we're working through.

"I'm really proud of everyone in the team for continuing to remain positive after a tough year last year.

"Amazing work through the winter to arrive and have the mileage that we've had. Every single year they arrive with the same mental focus and determination to fix whatever issue we have.

"I enjoy being in the offices just chugging away going through the data. We will hopefully get there."

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