F1 News

Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes have to stay on our toes despite early dominance

Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes "have to stay on our toes" despite early dominance

02-05-2019 13:31

Lewis Hamilton has said that it is still too early to say that his team mate is his only competition for this years championship. Mercedes have finished every race so far this season with a one two but Hamilton is still aware of other competition. 

“It’s far too early to say that one person is the title rival,” Hamilton said to Crash.net. “Ferrari this weekend had good pace in practice and in qualifying. I think if both cars delivered as we delivered, and their drivers delivered as we delivered, I think it would have been a lot closer.

“But we still have to stay on our toes. We didn’t bring an upgrade this weekend and Ferrari did, so it’s a little bit of a surprise performance-wise, because at some stage we will bring an upgrade.”

When asked about his relationship with Valtteri Bottas Hamilton said that he hoped the Finn would stay respectful when racing. 

"I can’t tell you what’s going to happen further in the year. I can’t judge if one’s character will change or not.

"Drivers in the past didn’t stick to the rules of engagement that we have as a team, and Valtteri does."

Mercedes have looked very dominant so far this season and other teams will need to improve dramatically if they are to take the battle to them.