© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Lewis Hamilton says he didn’t feel like he “ever left the water” when he returned to the track in today’s Mercedes Silverstone test.
Today marked Hamilton’s first Formula 1 drive since pre-season testing back in February. The six-time champion drove his 2018 title-winning car – the Mercedes W09. After the session Hamilton gave his comments on how day 2 of Mercedes’ test went.
“It felt just great to be back in the car, a lot of fun,” said Hamilton
“When you leave the garage the first time, you get this buzz, and it doesn’t matter how many years you do it, it always feels new and fresh.
“Obviously this is an older car, but it still felt fantastic. We got through a solid programme today.
“Valtteri’s day was dry, my day started off wet, so quite a greasy Silverstone track. But obviously I grew up in this kind of weather, so I’m used to it. I was still able to get a good feel of the car.”
The Briton says he didn’t have problems readjusting to being back in the cockpit, even though he hasn’t driven a Formula 1 car since February.
“I didn’t feel like I’ve ever left the water, so that’s a positive.
“I think every time you take a big break – I think it’s been 103 days or something – you always wonder whether you can still drive. So it’s a good feeling to know of course I can, I’m ready, I feel fit.
“I hope you guys are all well and excited for what’s coming up.”
You can watch Hamilton’s comments below.
"I'm ready. I feel fit" ? It's Lewis' lowdown after another busy day of Testing at Silverstone!
Next stop: Austria! ? pic.twitter.com/vdBHJKKQea
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) June 10, 2020
Lewis will get back behind the wheel at the Austrian Grand Prix FP1 on July 3.
