LEWIS HAMILTON isn’t fazed by Mercedes’ rivals trying to predict the pecking order in F1 this season.
The Brit ace is favourite to win a seventh world title in 2020 when the new campaign begins on March 15.
Lewis Hamilton isn’t get drawn into a prediction game with his rivalsCredit: PA:Press Association
Mercedes looked like the class of the field at the recent winter testing in Barcelona, but Hamilton said other team’s results were not important.
Hamilton said: “I don’t pay attention to anybody to anyone else through testing.
“We literally just focus on our job and I have no idea what other people have been saying. I’ve been here a long, long time so I’m aware of people bigging us up and talking themselves down so that they can potentially overachieve unexpectedly or whatever.
Lewis Hamilton says he only focused on his own performance during testingCredit: Alamy Live News
“It doesn’t make a difference. Some people think that it’s a psychological battle but it’s really not. Only for the weak-minded maybe. But it doesn’t affect us whatsoever.”
Mercedes looked faster than nearest rivals Red Bull and Ferrari during testing in Spain and will be the team to beat once again.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner said: “That’s always the dangerous thing about pre-season testing, trying to draw too many conclusions. Ferrari have looked a little understated the last couple of tests, but they started to wind it up and it would be foolish to underestimate them going into Melbourne.
Christian Horner thinks Red Bull face a battle with Ferrari at the head of the chasing packCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“Mercedes are the reigning six-time world champions and so they are very much the favourites. Their form has looked strong here and, of course, you want to have your issues in testing not when you’re racing.
“Winter testing can sometimes be a little deceptive, but it’s going to be the same teams ultimately fighting at the shape end of the grid this year.”
Lewis Hamilton test drives the new Mercedes F1 car in Barcelona
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
