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 operating was blighted by persistent mid-corner stability points for each Hamilton and team-mate George Russell earlier than the latter parked up within the afternoon with a hydraulics failure.
Whereas the group was glad that in a single day tweaks had settled the dealing with downside, Hamilton mentioned that “underlying” points from the draggy W13 had carried over to the brand new automobile.
Talking on Saturday, the seven-time champion reported: “It is tough to sum [progress on new car] up.
“We have had a few tough days and yesterday notably was tough. The primary day did not really feel too unhealthy. Yesterday was just a little bit extra of a battle.
“George has had a significantly better morning in the present day [running to second in the times behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc], so issues are going up, so hopefully we have got the set-up in the course of the place.”
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W14
Photograph by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Requested to check the W14 to its problematic predecessor, Hamilton continued: “Proper now, for instance, the bouncing that we had has just about gone. That is an enormous step for us.
“It is good to drive it with out the bouncing within the corners. However there are nonetheless some underlying issues that we’re working by means of.”
The Briton performed down expectations for the season opener in Bahrain in every week’s time however reiterated his willingness to dive by means of the info with the group to troubleshoot the automobile.
He mentioned: “It’ll be powerful for everybody with this quick interval of testing.
“We’re making an attempt to verify we hit the bottom operating in understanding the automobile, the tyres and the flexibility to reply. There are issues we’re working by means of.
“A few of the stability limitations that we had final yr are current. I am actually pleased with everybody within the group for persevering with to stay optimistic after a tricky yr final yr.
“Wonderful work by means of the winter to reach and have the mileage that we have had. Each single yr they arrive with the identical psychological focus and dedication to repair no matter subject we have now.
“I get pleasure from being within the places of work simply chugging away going by means of the info. We are going to hopefully get there.”
