Hamilton appreciates his work environment at Mercedes
Newly arrived at Mercedes from McLaren, Lewis Hamilton discusses, after two months of collaboration, the good working environment in which he is working to progress the Brackley team. The World Champion particularly highlights his new team's desire to see its drivers evolve in the best possible conditions.
Undoubtedly the transfer of the year, Lewis Hamilton’s move to Mercedes from McLaren, after 6 years of good and loyal service in Formula 1, and even more in the junior formulas, will certainly be one of the highlights of 2013. Struggling for the past three years, the German team is looking to start afresh and is counting on its new recruit to be an integral part of its recovery.
On his side, the native of Stevenage, having escaped the cocoon of Woking, is seeking a new challenge in the ex-Brawn GP, participating in the rebuilding of a team whose last laurels are increasingly distant. The financial aspects, it must be said, were also a significant factor, even though McLaren seemed able to match Mercedes’ offer. Furthermore, it was about moving away from a restrictive work environment with numerous contractual obligations.
And after barely two months of collaboration with his new team, the main party involved is already noticing progress in this area, even if the constraints remain the same: « We still have sponsors, public appearances, filming days, so there’s not a big difference in the way [Mercedes] manages its affairs. But I think the attention to the driver, his performance, and his preparation in his work is one of the things that, I notice, is a bit better here. They want me to be as ready as I can be physically and mentally, and do everything possible to ensure that everything is taken into account. »
Despite having more free time, the English driver insists he’s just as committed as he was during his stint with McLaren: « I don’t have more freedom, I just have a bit more time in my life. I’m still in a racing team, I’m still dedicated to helping the team move forward. It’s just a new environment and I’m enjoying it immensely. »
In conclusion, Lewis Hamilton praises his new team, both in terms of spirit and the progress that seems to have been made: “I am so happy to work with these people. They are all so enthusiastic, they want to do better, and they are making a really, really big effort to communicate with me to get into the race. They have clearly made some good steps forward compared to last year, and I think they are on the right track, in the right direction. I couldn’t be happier with them.”
