Reigning Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton called his first laps in the 2020 Mercedes W11 on Friday at the British Silverstone circuit "a good start." "The sensations were good, everything went well," he commented in a video posted on Instagram. "We will not really know before the winter tests (19-21 and 26-28 February in Barcelona, note) how good this machine is, how much we have progressed," continued the Briton. But it's not that far from our level in Abu Dhabi (during the last Grand Prix of 2019, which he won, editor's note), so it's a good start. ” “My first feeling is good. Everything worked well, it's a start. At this point, there is no problem with the car, “added his Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas on Twitter.
First taste of the @ MercedesAMGF1 # W11 was sweet
Shakedown ✔️ # VB77 # F1 @ F1 # shakedown
Etherington pic.twitter.com/w0lzeoLCKX
This first outing, limited by the regulations to 100 km, was the occasion for a debugging of the W11 and the shooting of images intended for the media. Hamilton, who this year has his first opportunity to equal the record for seven world titles by German Michael Schumacher, says "not really feeling pressure at the moment" and "rather take advantage of the moment". Asked about the identity of his main opponents this year, the 35-year-old only designated Bottas, who completed his best season in F1 by becoming vice-world champion last year. He also swept the spades recently addressed by Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull), who believes that Hamilton is "not God" and can be beaten if he is under enough pressure. “I've always been the type to express myself on the track. I tend to see it (the opposite, note) as a sign of weakness, “replied the interested party. Alfa Romeo Racing also released its 2020 car, the C39, "with success", according to a press release, Friday on the Italian circuit of Fiorano with the driver Kimi Räikkönen at the wheel. The first Grand Prix of the season will take place on March 15 in Melbourne, Australia.
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