A highly accomplished W08 for Hamilton, measured ambition for Wolff
The unveiling of the German single-seater was an opportunity to hear from the key players at Mercedes. While Lewis Hamilton seems to have already been won over by the new single-seater, his team manager is more cautious...
First words of praise from Hamilton!
He came back with a smile! The now vice-world champion had left the last season frustrated. No Nico Rosberg this year, but the passion remains intact as the Englishman has now discovered his new toy. At the official presentation, he did not hide his enthusiasm:
« It’s an incredible feeling! I already caught a glimpse of the car yesterday, for the first time. It’s simply the most advanced machine I’ve known in Formula 1 so far! It was very exciting to see this car come out of our factory. Its assembly went wonderfully! »
More precisely, the three-time world champion highlighted the new features of the 2017 cars, in his own way:
« It appears almost identical to last year’s in terms of ergonomics. But it is bulkier, it’s a more powerful beast! Naturally, the car is wider and the rear tires are impressive. There is also more grip, even though I tried it in very cool conditions. »
The light winter rain (only 10 degrees in the air) at the Silverstone track did not exactly create ideal competition conditions…
« It wasn’t a test strictly speaking. The few laps I did were behind a car that was filming me. It was just a few routine checks. I was able to go a little faster, but the conditions were difficult with gusty winds and a wet track. »
🔍 UP-CLOSE
💬 @LewisHamilton: “It’s the most detailed piece of machinery I have seen so far in F1”
Introducing the @MercedesAMGF1 W08 👀 pic.twitter.com/UKuvtGrQNl
— Formula 1 (@F1) 23 février 2017
First contact for Bottas
For once, emotions ran high for a Finn. The replacement for the World champion had his first public moments as a Mercedes driver. And most importantly, he had the chance to take the wheel of the W08 for a few installation laps!
« It’s a new chapter in my career. New team, new regulations… Everything is new for me, actually!
I waited a long time to hit the track with the car. It was just a promotional day, but I’m looking forward to starting the tests next week in Barcelona. I can’t wait to really understand the car!
.@ValtteriBottas hits the track for the first time as a @MercedesAMGF1 driver! 🇫🇮 #VB77 #EQPower+ #F1 #F12017 pic.twitter.com/wjc7N5I1Yn
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) 23 February 2017
Toto Wolff didn’t get a big head during the winter
The executive director of Mercedes AMG F1 was alongside his protégés to unveil the W08. When questioned, the Austrian emphasized the extreme motivation of his team, ready to attack new records.
« The general feeling in the team at this moment is excitement. Even though we are still before the pre-season tests, the factory is already buzzing! Our determination to stay on top has never been as high as it is now. »
Heavier car, wider tires and rear wing (notably), the new single-seaters promise exceptional downforce. Will the reshuffling of the deck be to the detriment of the team that won 19 out of 21 races in 2016?
« It was a real challenge to develop a car with a totally new concept » recalled Toto Wolff. It’s still only the end of February, and the time is indeed for a muted speech:
« In terms of performance, it is clear that these major technical changes cause a reset.
It’s time to stay humble. None of the teams on the grid have really run with the new regulations yet. We are currently at the same point as the others! But it’s also a great opportunity for us!
Susie Wolff’s partner also agrees on the importance of the race for development.
« This year more than ever, R&D will play a major role in the outcome of the championship.
None of us know yet where we will be at the first race. But I am confident. We have the people and the capabilities to succeed at every challenge that comes our way.
