Lewis Hamilton has put the first laps on the Mercedes car he is confident that it will make him world champion for the fourth time this year.
The 32-year-old used the new Mercedes W08 at Silverstone in blustery, moist conditions.
Hamilton stated the car felt amazing and “pretty awesome” on his very first outing.
It has been manufactured to new policies aimed at making the vehicles much faster, more remarkable and more demanding of motorists.
It features a stylish design, in contrast to some competitors, and a notably narrow rear.
Lewis Hamilton stated: “The other day was the first time I saw [the car] together. It is the most comprehensive piece of machinery I have seen in F1.
“This is not an actual test – it’s just a couple of laps to make sure the vehicle will run. However I was able to go faster in the last number of laps.
“It feels almost identical to 2016’s car in terms of ergonomics however you have this larger, more powerful beast around you.”
Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas with Mercedes W08
His new team-mate Valtteri Bottas, joined Mercedes last month to replace Nico Rosberg, who retired after winning his first world title in 2016, drove the automobile on Thursday afternoon.
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff stated he was expecting for a less fractious relationship between Hamilton and Bottas than between the Briton and Rosberg.
