Hamilton isn't rusty: "It felt good, I'm fit and ready"

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10 June 2020 at 19:09
Last update 10 June 2020 at 19:13
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  • GPblog.com

After Valtteri Bottas stepped behind the wheel of the 2018 Mercedes W09 on Tuesday, it was Lewis Hamilton's turn on Wednesday. He finished a programme at Silverstone today and now that the day is over, the six-time world champion looks back with satisfaction. He hasn't been bored for a moment and is completely ready for it.

Felt good

Mercedes has tested with the older car, because that gives it the possibility to drive infinitely many laps. During the two days at Silverstone, a large part of the program was dedicated to learning the corona protocols, as Mercedes made clear in a video. For Hamilton this also meant that after a long time he made mileage again.

"It's just great to be back in the car and it was a lot of fun", says Hamilton in a new video from Mercedes, "When you leave the garage the first time, you get this buzz, and it doesn't matter how many years you do it, it always feels new and fresh. Obviously this is an older car, but it still felt fantastic. We got through a solid programme today."

Rusty

Several drivers have indicated that they may be a bit rusty when the season starts, because they haven't driven for so long. At Hamilton this doesn't really seem to be the case, because "I didn't feel like I've ever left the water, so that's a positive. I think every time you take a big break - I think it's been 103 days or something - you always wonder whether you can still drive."

"So it's a good feeling to know of course I can, I'm ready, I feel fit. I hope you guys are all well and excited for what's coming up", Hamilton said, with whom there is no lack of self-confidence.