Lewis Hamilton was impressed with Ferrari's speed on tests; however, according to him, this is not unusual.
Mercedes doesn't pay too much attention to fast laps on tests, although their main rivals from Ferrari are striking in both reliability and speed.
Toro Rosso boss Franz Toast said that at the moment Ferrari is probably half a second ahead of its closest pursuer. However, Lewis Hamilton believes that the true picture may be much more complicated.
Hamilton said: “I don't think we can talk about any final figures. But Ferrari is very, very strong at this point, as you've seen.
They have already traveled a great distance. It looks like their car is better than it was at this stage a year ago. This means that in 2019 it will be even more difficult for us."
It is difficult to compare the speed of Mercedes to Ferrari yet, Hamilton said, as the teams' work programs are very different.
Lewis continued: “They work well. We are still trying to understand our car as best as possible. In general, everything is the same as at the beginning of last year.
Ferrari is always quick on tests, especially in recent years. We expected this. Our team is focused on their tasks. Everyone is working hard - everything is fine."
Current tasks
Hamilton said the priority for Mercedes is to improve its car, not waste time trying to figure out what the competition is doing.
“Let the others go about their business, while we try to thoroughly study the machine to make sure that we have managed to improve all the processes.
We need to make sure we analyze our data better than ever and that we racers provide engineers with accurate feedback than ever.
Here's what we've focused on. We want to have time to complete all our work plans. Next week, I think we will better understand where we are in comparison with competitors."
Hamilton is confident that Mercedes will be capable of hitting back, even if Ferrari is fast not only in tests, but also in races.
“At this point, we are also competing with our past. We really try to add in in all areas. Both the engineers at the base and the mechanics in the pits strive for this.
It is amazing that such an atmosphere has been preserved within the team over all these years of victories. It's nice to see this thirst for success.
Nobody relaxes. Everyone is moving forward. This winter was not easy for the guys at the base.
I see it and hear from the guys: perhaps it has never been so hard as after these changes in the regulations on aerodynamics. But I believe: if anyone can cope with this, then these are our guys.
We are the only team to have won the championship during periods of the most varied rules. I am sure everything will be fine, even if we are not favorites at the first stage …"
