First words of praise from Hamilton!<\/b><\/p>\n
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:<\/p>\n
\u00ab 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! \u00bb<\/p>\n
More precisely, the three-time world champion highlighted the new features of the 2017 cars, in his own way:<\/p>\n
\u00ab 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. \u00bb<\/p>\n
The light winter rain (only 10 degrees in the air) at the Silverstone track did not exactly create ideal competition conditions…<\/p>\n
\u00ab 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. \u00bb<\/p>\n
\n\ud83d\udd0d UP-CLOSE<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcac @LewisHamilton<\/a>: “It’s the most detailed piece of machinery I have seen so far in F1”<\/p>\n
Introducing the @MercedesAMGF1<\/a> W08 \ud83d\udc40 pic.twitter.com\/UKuvtGrQNl<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Formula 1 (@F1) 23 f\u00e9vrier 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
First contact for Bottas<\/b><\/p>\n
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!<\/p>\n
\u00ab It’s a new chapter in my career. New team, new regulations… Everything is new for me, actually!<\/p>\n
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!<\/p>\n
\n.@ValtteriBottas<\/a> hits the track for the first time as a @MercedesAMGF1<\/a> driver! \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddee #VB77<\/a> #EQPower<\/a>+ #F1<\/a> #F12017<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/wjc7N5I1Yn<\/a><\/p>\n