Hamilton unfazed by early gremlins

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton insists he will not waste time worrying about his team’s pre-season troubles ahead of his bid for an unprecedented eighth Formula One world championship.

Mercedes, who have won the past seven drivers’ and constructors’ titles, have not been at their imperious best during the sole three days of testing prior to the new campaign, which starts in Bahrain on March 28.

A gearbox failure saw the Silver Arrows miss almost all of the opening morning in the Gulf Kingdom on Friday, before Hamilton lost more track time when he spun off into the gravel on day two.

Hamilton then spun in the concluding 45 minutes yesterday as he geared up for a quick lap. The Briton finished the final day of action more than a second off the pace.

But Hamilton, 36, said: “I don’t waste time worrying because that deters you from finding a solution.

“It is better when it doesn’t go smoothly, and it is better that it doesn’t go smoothly now and does go smoothly when we start racing. This is the perfect time for us to find the issues and have the problems, so I welcome them.

“Everyone is just keeping their heads down. Nobody is fazed by it. We are a multi-time championshipwinning team and we know how to pull together and stay focused on the job.”

Max Verstappen set the fastest lap of the test on the final afternoon and, while lap times have to be treated with a degree of a caution, there is no question that Red Bull have enjoyed an encouraging three days.

Indeed, Verstappen could prove to be Hamilton’s closest challenger for a title that would take the Briton clear of Michael Schumacher in the record books.

Red Bull will also boast a more experienced line-up this season with Sergio Perez, a veteran of almost 200 races, replacing the London-born Alexander Albon.

Hamilton said “It is without doubt quite impressive to see the speed of some of the other teams and Red Bull are looking particularly strong.

“They will be a different machine and animal this year with a strong driver line-up and really good car.

“You can only assume they are going to be right there, if not at the front, at the first race and it is going to be a great, long battle with them throughout the year.”

Verstappen, 23, said: “It is too early to say how we will do but I have positive feelings in the car.”

Hamilton also took time to hail Murray Walker as the greatest television commentator following the broadcaster’s death.

The death of Walker, whose remarkable career spanned more than half a century, was announced on Saturday evening. He was 97.

Reflecting on the former BBC and ITV broadcaster, Hamilton said: “I just remember hearing this iconic voice. Growing up, and watching all the grands prix, he really made the sport exciting.

“Even without watching the TV when you are out of the room, you hear him.”