Hamilton on Silverstone F1 test: ‘Good to know I can still drive’
Lewis Hamilton says it “didn’t feel like I’ve ever left the water” after sampling Formula 1 machinery for the first time in three-and-a-half months during a test for Mercedes at Silverstone.
The reigning six-time world champion returned to F1 action on Wednesday as he completed Mercedes’ second and final day of running in a private test at the home of the British Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton says it “didn’t feel like I’ve ever left the water” after sampling Formula 1 machinery for the first time in three-and-a-half months during a test for Mercedes at Silverstone.
The reigning six-time world champion returned to F1 action on Wednesday as he completed Mercedes’ second and final day of running in a private test at the home of the British Grand Prix.
Hamilton was reunited with the W09 car he claimed the 2018 drivers’ world championship with and said he had “a lot of fun” on his first F1 outing since pre-season testing in Barcelona concluded at the end of February.
"When you leave the garage the first time, you get this buzz, and it doesn't matter how many years you do it, it always feels new and fresh," Hamilton said.
"Obviously this is an older car, but it still felt fantastic. We got through a solid programme today.
"Valtteri's day was dry, my day started off wet, so quite a greasy Silverstone track.
"But obviously I grew up in this kind of weather, so I'm used to it. I was still able to get a good feel of the car.”
Mercedes was using the test to familiarise itself with F1’s strict new COVID-19 hygiene protocols that will come into force when the delayed season begins next month with the Austrian Grand Prix on July 5.
Hamilton previously suggested that drivers could be “rusty as hell” when the season finally gets underway after a prolonged hiatus, but the Briton reported no rustiness upon his return to the cockpit.
"I didn't feel like I've ever left the water, so that's a positive," Hamilton added.
"I think every time you take a big break - I think it's been 103 days or something - you always wonder whether you can still drive.
“So it's a good feeling to know of course I can, I'm ready, I feel fit. I hope you guys are all well and excited for what's coming up.”
Ferrari is also set to complete some test running using a two-year old car in the coming days, while Racing Point is set to conduct a test at Silverstone on June 17 with Lance Stroll.
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