Mercedes completed a “smooth” shakedown of its new W14 at Silverstone on Thursday, according to Lewis Hamilton, a day after the car’s unveiling.
George Russell carried out limited running on Wednesday, ensuring Mercedes counted the day as a demonstration – where only 15km is permitted – rather than a full filming day, at which 100km is allowed.
Russell returned to the W14 on Thursday at a damp Silverstone National Circuit before handing over to Hamilton for the remainder of running.
“It has been great to get up and running with the W14,” said Hamilton.
“It is always a much-anticipated moment for everyone at the factory that has been working so hard; I’m incredibly grateful for all the effort that has gone in.
“The day has been smooth; we got through a good programme, and we’ve come away with some useful findings. I generally felt comfortable in the car and I’m excited to get going in Bahrain.”
Russell described it as “amazing just to get out there – you see the car being designed, being developed, you see the parts in the factory or on a computer screen, then you see the 60 per cent wind tunnel model.
“It was very cold and greasy out there today, but the car ran smoothly, and we completed all the laps we are permitted to do.
“We know pre-season testing in Bahrain will be the first real test of the car. [But there were] no major scares and we’re all set for Bahrain next week.”
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