Lewis Hamilton feels he has yet to fully settle at Mercedes despite the fact he is in the early running for this year’s Formula One world title.
Hamilton has now been with the Brackley-based marque for almost four months and three grands prix since ending his 13-year association with McLaren.
The 28-year-old has swiftly adapted to his new surroundings, claiming his maiden pole for the team in Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix, and in finishing third in his last two races has given Mercedes back-to-back podiums for the first time in three years.
Despite the superb start to his three-year contract with Mercedes, Hamilton appreciates he is taking time to put down some roots as he continues to get to grips with a new car and new surroundings.
“It does take time,” said Hamilton.
“It’s my first time moving to a different Formula One team, and there is so much information to take in, to catch up on and to learn, and I’m definitely still learning.
“I wouldn’t say I’m 100% up to speed with everything because the team does a lot of things differently to what I have experienced before.
“Over the weekend (in China) I feel I made a good step, but I’m still searching for those things that make you comfortable in a car and with the engineers.
“In practice on Friday, for instance, braking was a big problem for me. The feeling I was having was not the same as I’d had in the past, but now I think I’ve nearly got that.
“Then there are differences with set-up, seating position, steering control, diff (differential) controls. I was used to things one way, and now I’m trying to learn to do it another way.
“Then there are the engineers and the way they analyse different things. Some things I feel are necessary, some things might be too much, so for me it’s picking out the bits I need.”
Understandably, from the perspective of team principal Ross Brawn and motor-sport director Toto Wolff, they are delighted with what Hamilton has brought to the team and the fact they are title contenders.
This weekend’s race in Bahrain, however, will prove a challenging one for both Mercedes and Hamilton to make it a hat-trick of successive podium finishes.
Rear-tyre wear will prove critical, and as Mercedes have often had problems in that area in the past, Hamilton is aware of the dangers to be faced at the Bahrain International Circuit.
Hamilton said: “The circuit is a real challenge, particularly for the tyres with overheating and also the sand on the track, but this helps to make it unique.”