Mercedes was happy to report “no bouncing” in the course of 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 steadiness points for each Hamilton and team-mate George Russell, earlier than the latter parked up within the afternoon with a hydraulics failure.
Whereas the crew was happy that in a single day tweaks had settled the dealing with downside, Hamilton stated that “underlying” points from the draggy W13 had carried over to the brand new automobile.
Talking on Saturday, the seven-time champion reported: “It’s tough to sum [progress on new car] up.
“We’ve had a few tough days and yesterday significantly was tough. The primary day didn’t really feel too dangerous. Yesterday was somewhat bit extra of a wrestle.
“George has had a significantly better morning at this time [running to second in the times behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc], so issues are going up, so hopefully we’ve obtained the set-up in the course of the place.”
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W14
Photograph by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Requested to match the W14 to its problematic predecessor, Hamilton continued: “Proper now, for instance, the bouncing that we had has just about gone. That’s an enormous step for us.
“It’s good to drive it with out the bouncing within the corners. However there are nonetheless some underlying issues that we’re working via.”
The Briton performed down expectations for the season opener in Bahrain in every week’s time however reiterated his willingness to dive via the information with the crew to troubleshoot the automobile.
He stated: “It’s going to be powerful for everybody with this brief 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 via.
“A number of the steadiness limitations that we had final yr are current. I’m actually happy with everybody within the crew for persevering with to stay Positive after a troublesome yr final yr.
“Superb work via the winter to reach and have the mileage that we’ve 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 via the information. We’ll hopefully get there.”