Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff has confirmed both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas are raring to go for 2019.
Speaking via Crash, Wolff said: “I’ve seen both drivers after the winter break and it was a winter break that was necessary as last season was so intense. Lewis has come back refreshed, arched up, with a lot of muscle and is very hungry. Valtteri had a reset and I think it was important for him to go away and reflect on things. He is a super strong part of the team and he has the backing of the team. I am really looking forward to some strong competition between the two of them and obviously against our competitors.”
Wolff confirmed the team’s performances to date have been beyond his wildest dreams.
“Five double championships is obviously more than we could have ever expected,” he explained. But every season starts with zero points. There is nothing, no credit, you can take from previous seasons into the new one. This is why we embrace every new season with the same motivation and hunger as before.”