Mercedes was happy to report “no bouncing” through the first of three days of testing at Bahrain because it has sought to get rid of the porpoising phenomenon that dogged it final yr.
However the second day of working was blighted by persistent mid-corner steadiness points for each Hamilton and team-mate George Russell, earlier than the latter parked up within the afternoon with a hydraulics failure.
Whereas the staff was happy that in a single day tweaks had settled the dealing with drawback, Hamilton stated that “underlying” points from the draggy W13 had carried over to the brand new automotive.
Talking on Saturday, the seven-time champion reported: “It’s troublesome to sum [progress on new car] up.
“We’ve had a few troublesome days and yesterday notably was troublesome. The primary day didn’t really feel too unhealthy. Yesterday was slightly bit extra of a wrestle.
“George has had a a lot better morning as we speak [working to second within the instances behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc], so issues are going up, so hopefully we’ve received the set-up in the midst of the place.”
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W14
Picture by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Requested to match the W14 to its problematic predecessor, Hamilton continued: “Proper now, for instance, the bouncing that we had has just about gone. That’s an enormous step for us.
“It’s good to drive it with out the bouncing within the corners. However there are nonetheless some underlying issues that we’re working by way of.”
The Briton performed down expectations for the season opener in Bahrain in every week’s time however reiterated his willingness to dive by way of the information with the staff to troubleshoot the automotive.
He stated: “It’s going to be powerful for everybody with this quick interval of testing.
“We’re attempting to verify we hit the bottom working in understanding the automotive, the tyres and the power to reply. There are issues we’re working by way of.
“A few of the steadiness limitations that we had final yr are current. I’m actually pleased with everybody within the staff for persevering with to stay constructive after a troublesome yr final yr.
“Superb work by way of the winter to reach and have the mileage that we’ve had. Each single yr they arrive with the identical psychological focus and dedication to repair no matter challenge we’ve.
“I take pleasure in being within the workplaces simply chugging away going by way of the information. We’ll hopefully get there.”
