Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn feels a “very positive” relationship is currently being built with Lewis Hamilton as both men attempt to quell their hunger for further world title glory.
After a shaky start on his testing debut in which a rear-brake failure sent Hamilton into a tyre wall, the 28-year-old has racked up nearly 1,000 trouble-free miles.
Hamilton, however, has again downplayed aspirations by insisting he does not have a car that can compete for this year’s championship, a remark echoed by Brawn, even though he claims the car “looks a step forward” from last year.
On the plus side for Brawn is the way Hamilton has integrated himself into the Brackley-based team.
“Lewis is a fantastic driver from a speed, competitiveness and racing perspective, and now we have to learn to work together on an engineering and development side,” said Brawn.
“I must say the short period he has been with us has been very positive, and there is no doubt he is now a part of our team.
“He is very passionate about the sport and what he does. He has all the attributes you need to be a world champion he’s proven that.
“It’s something very positive at the moment and I hope it stays positive for a very long time.”
Success has been in short supply for both Brawn and Hamilton over the last few years. Hamilton has not been drivers’ champion since 2008, whilst Brawn has endured a lean run of one race win in three years.