Hamilton moderately satisfied after first test: 'No idea where we stand'

Lewis Hamilton finished the first winter test in Barcelona with the fastest time. By his own account, however, this did not happen without a struggle, and the Mercedes driver indicates that he still has no idea how his team stands in relation to the rest.

The seven-time world champion didn't let on for two months after the defeat in Abu Dhabi, but this month he reappeared with Mercedes. The driver immediately made a fit impression and got behind the wheel in Barcelona to test the new car. For now, he is moderately satisfied with what he saw.

Hamilton not yet overjoyed after Barcelona test days

"They were three interesting days, but not the easiest," states the 37-year-old Briton in conversation with Speedweek.com. "We had some obstacles to overcome." However, he is satisfied with the number of laps he was able to drive on the final day of testing.

As expected, the new Formula 1 cars feel very different from what the drivers are used to, Hamilton also notes. Different in a good way? "I didn't say that," he replies, laughing. Returning to the question, he says he doesn't have an answer for that yet.

Despite the good results on the last test day, Hamilton does not yet dare to make any statements about the balance of power. According to the Mercedes driver, there is never a clear picture of that after the first week of testing. "We have no idea where we stand in relation to the others," said Hamilton.