Mechanics Were My Soldiers Before Mercedes Swap- Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton admits he still doesn't know why his and Nico Rosberg's mechanics were swapped by Mercedes but is convinced success is around the corner with his new crew. The world champion has slipped 43 points behind his team-mate having been blighted by engine failures in 2016 with some social media conspiracy theorists linking his problems to a change of mechanics at the start of the season.


Hamilton has repeatedly backed his team and, when asked by Martin Brundle why Mercedes decided to mix it up, he said: I don't know! I can't answer that for you. I thought there was good chemistry but I have to say I'm really happy with how things are now, I've got a great group of guys. When you work with a group of guys so closely you build a bond. It's hard to explain but they're your soldiers, that's your squad. For sure, it was emotional for all of us, those that were really connected in that way. So much success and ups and downs we've had because that's what you experience together. It was difficult in the beginning but now I can experience that with new guys who are just as enthusiastic and just as driven to win”


Mercedes will run an improved MGU-H on Hamilton's car at the Spanish GP in a bid to solve reliability problems and while the Englishman accepts it will be tough not to exceed his engine limit this season, he is also fearful of a 10-place grid penalty for reprimands.