Ride Along with Lewis Hamilton’s First Laps Driving M-B W11 F1 Racecar
We’re only weeks away from the Formula 1 season opener, and Lewis Hamilton is getting his first taste of the W11 race car.
After coming off yet another Championship, six-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton finally got a taste of his new Mercedes race car. A brief lapping session at the Silverstone Circuit allowed the hot-shoe to get familiar with his new battleship.
Mind you though, this was merely an exhibition run. Formula 1 is very strict with pre-season testing in order to minimize costs and prevent unfair advantages from teams like Mercedes that have a considerably large budget. However, that doesn’t lessen out excitement to ride along. We’re just wishing it was a longer and harder drive. That will come soon enough.
Evident on the car is the splash of red for new technical partner INEOS. As well, Hamilton’s always unique helmet livery has taken a purple turn. It’s an interesting departure from a livery that usually includes the yellow blue and green colors of his favorite driver, Ayrton Senna. But as for the car, there are no radical differences from last year, at least on the surface. You can be sure team boss Toto Wolff left no stone unturned in evaluating the rule book and finding speed and reliability.
Formula 1’s official testing will begin on February 19 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Just one car is permitted for teams to use for the two days of testing, according to Formula 1. Teams have a choice of allowing the drivers to split practice during each day, or having one driver drive the first day, and swapping drivers for day two. Mercedes boffins have put Hamilton in the driver’s seat during afternoon sessions. Valtteri Bottas will fill the seat during morning sessions.
With help from Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes has won an incredible six consecutive Constructors Championships in Formula 1. Pre-season testing presents an ability for teams to show their wares. True performance numbers are held close by the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and other top teams. Actual performance will be revealed when the red lights go out at the starter stand. That will happen with the season kick-off March 12-15 in Melbourne, Australia.
Join the MB World forums now!
