Lewis Hamilton. 2024 Saudi Grand Prix, Friday - Wolfgang Wilhelm

Lewis Hamilton stated that the W15 “has a lot of potential” but Mercedes still hasn’t been able to fully unlock it through set-up.

The Brackley-based outfit completely changed its car concept throughout the 2023 season and continued to do so for the 2024 campaign, too. However, even though improvements are visible for both Hamilton and George Russell, the former still believes the team can extract more from the W15.

“It’s definitely not that evil sister or anything like that. I do think we have an amazing car; it has a lot of potential in it. We just haven’t maximized it at the moment through set-up.

“We’re obviously not happy with the performance in those first couple of races. But I think there’s a lot more potential in it that we just haven’t quite extracted yet.”

The seven-time world champion also added that he hopes the Australian GP will prove to be a step forward since the team has been working hard on improving the car.

“So, that’s what everyone’s focus is on, just trying to understand the car. We’re hoping this weekend is a step forward.

“A huge amount of work has gone on – everyone’s heads are down in the numbers. I feel positive this weekend. We’ve had two not such great races, but there’s a long way ahead.”