One of the most significant changes for the new season sees Valtteri Bottas become just the fourth Silver Arrows driver of the modern era in 2017. Next to him in the garage will be three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who comes to the new season refreshed and reinvigorated.
“It’s been a fantastic winter and an exciting training season for me,” explained Lewis of his preparations for the increased physical demands of 2017.
“I’ve added a new element to my training regime that has kept it really enjoyable and I’m in great shape. Then I’ve visited the factory and that has been super encouraging to see the way in which everybody is working.”
“After all the success we have had, people could be sitting back and resting on their achievements. So it’s inspiring to see how everybody is pushing even harder than ever and taking nothing for granted at all.”
Lewis Hamilton: “I welcome Valtteri to the team and I know that the team will be giving us both everything they can to win the championship”
“This is the most exciting period of the year when the car comes together – and my privilege as a driver is then to get to feel what it’s like and what all the team has worked for. There’s not too much point setting goals until we’ve really driven the car, so I’m going to go with the flow until we understand the possibilities.”
“I’m feeling in a positive place with the team – we talked about a lot of stuff over the winter, I was able to get some things off my chest and now we are communicating better than ever and continuing to grow together.”
“I’m the best equipped I have ever been to work with my team-mate and manage the relationship with my experience and maturity.”
“I welcome Valtteri to the team. And I know that the team will be giving us both everything they can to win the championship.”
Beast!!!!!! @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/fqEJeveshR
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) 23 February 2017
Just yesterday Hamilton revealed his helmet’s design for 2017
The triple F1 world champion had a competition for his fans and Rai Caldato from Brazil won it.
Lewis announced the winning design with a short message:
“Here it is. The winning helmet design, a creation by Raí Caldato from Brazil. Raí evolves my layout by adding new stripe elements on the sides. As a tribute to my hero, Ayrton Senna the helmet features the colours of Brazil – green, yellow and blue. These are accompanied with the 3 stars that represent my Championship wins. There’s yellow throughout that reminds me of my helmets in the past. The candy apple red balances with the yellow very well. Raí, I look forward to meeting you in person to present you with your prize! Thank you all for entering this competition, I’m taken back by your creativity.”
My racing helmet design for the 2017 Season, by Raí Caldato. Full message on Instagram: https://t.co/reOdUChz1h @MercedesAMGF1 @BellRacingEU pic.twitter.com/kDCzaMxEUj
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) 22 February 2017
