Lewis Hamilton has revealed what went on behind the scenes to create what he now believes is a relationship with his Mercedes team that is “better than ever” before.
At the end of last year, tension between the Briton and those at Brackley was at its highest following the controversial season finale in Abu Dhabi but had followed a year of growing distrust and unhappiness following the reaction to the incident between Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in Spain and a number of mechanical problems which had affected him but not so much his teammate.
This year that has completely changed with Rosberg gone and Valtteri Bottas across the garage, with the greater harmony considered crucial to Mercedes overcoming hurdles they have faced during the season.
“Going and seeing (motorsport boss) Toto (Wolff) at the end of last year was crucial in solidifying the longevity in the team,” Hamilton said, considering what was the catalyst for the significant turnaround in the relationship.
“We just put everything on the table and said what needed to be said and then to build on creating a new stronger relationship which we have done.”
The 32-year-old claims the same approach had the desired impact throughout the entire factory at Brackley and created the atmosphere that exists today.
“People in the team will be able to tell you what the dynamic was, and for sure I can’t say it was great last year,” he admitted. “But this year for sure having that talk with Toto and coming in and really working on the relationship with the guys: don’t mess with it.
“The formula works and I just want to continue to build on that relationship, which we have.
“My guys did an exceptional job and my relationship with the whole team, both sides, is stronger than it has ever been. I think the time I spend with the engineers back here is better than ever.”
Hamilton also points to the rise of Ferrari as equally important to getting everyone at Mercedes on the same page, as they push for the same goal.
“It’s great that we are fighting with another team so the focus is different,” he said. “When you have two strong drivers in the team as we had and when the battle is within the team, it’s like a hurricane, with strong energy and it is just stuck in the room.
“Whereas now, together, we have this hurricane or whatever bundle of energy which we are firing to the car and it is overall a much happier dynamic.”
In separate comments, Wolff would repeat many of his driver’s comments but also revealed his awe at the performances Hamilton is putting in as he closes in on a fourth F1 title.
“I’ve worked with him for five years and I’ve never seen him operate on that level,” the Austrian claimed. “The raw pace is spectacular, understanding the tyres and the ability of the car – which was difficult at times – is not easy. The sustainable performance is on a level I haven’t seen before.”
