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[darwin dali]

I think Nico and Lewis will get along just fine.

"I am [excited] I could barely sleep last night!" Hamilton said. "It's quite an exciting day for us - the launch of a new car - and to be team-mates with Nico; we were just saying how crazy it is because we used to be team-mates back in 2000 when we were go-karting so it's a dream for me to be back here as his team-mate

[youtube]P2-VGDF4y18[/youtube]

[What's Burning?]

Do you think that perhaps once... back in 2000... accidentally... in the showers... they crossed swords?

[CookinFlat6]

Do you think that perhaps once... back in 2000... accidentally... in the showers... they crossed swords?

Lewis woulda been a big Britney Spears fan in those days

[Nin-Chin]

Lewis Hamilton says he is "pushing already" at Mercedes and admits he is happier than he was at McLaren.

Mercedes launched its new W04 on Monday at Jerez and Hamilton got to drive the car for the first time in the afternoon as part of a filming day. After his first taste of the new car he revealed that although his input in its development was virtually non-existent, he has already been requesting the team makes certain changes as part of his integration.

"I've been making myself as available as possible," Hamilton said. "Last night I was talking to the aerodynamicists and asking questions about the car and pushing already for certain things that should be added to the car and other people already have. "

With his move to Mercedes marking the first time he has driven in Formula One for any team other than McLaren, Hamilton admitted he was full of excitement for the challenge.

"I'm happier. Just happier, I can't really explain it. Happier that I've got a new challenge, happy that I've got a new start, happy that I've got a fresh chapter in my life, happy that I've got this massive challenge, happy that I've got this excitement because I don't know if the car will be good or bad. I'm excited because I know that I can contribute and with a lot of hard work and perseverance I think we can get there."

Naturally, Hamilton was asked about the differences in preparations for the new season with Mercedes compared to his McLaren debut and he said with so much new information and procedures to learn he expected to still be getting up to speed come the Australian Grand Prix.

"I think I did something like 22 days [testing] or something silly like that before I did my first race. That was at the end of 2006 testing and the pre-season testing that was 15 days or something like that. Now we're much more limited and the simulator becomes a lot more useful. I've got to squeeze a lot of progress into a short period of time and learn a lot. I do anticipate going into the first couple of races still learning a lot.

"It is a bit like starting all over again. I remember in 2006 and 2007 learning all these new controls and procedures, and it's fresh and new again in this car. On the steering wheel I think I've got double the amount of buttons I had on the previous one and I've already got rid of some of the buttons, but I've got way more than before. The engineers and the way the team works is different to what I've had before."

[darwin dali]

On the steering wheel I think I've got double the amount of buttons I had on the previous one and I've already got rid of some of the buttons, but I've got way more than before. The engineers and the way the team works is different to what I've had before."

Hm, I wonder what those extra buttons do? Maybe there's a time-out button and possibly a direct line to his main squeeze?

[Hammer278]

Maybe that's Merc's problem right there....asking the drivers to do too much in the car that they just don't focus on taking it to its limits!

[stonemonkey]

On the steering wheel I think I've got double the amount of buttons I had on the previous one and I've already got rid of some of the buttons, but I've got way more than before. The engineers and the way the team works is different to what I've had before."

Hm, I wonder what those extra buttons do? Maybe there's a time-out button and possibly a direct line to his main squeeze?

He didn't need the arthritis and alzheimers medication delivery or the helmet mounted retractable reading glasses buttons.

[What's Burning?]

Since he's using Schumacher's old wheel he didn't need the make the car very wide button.

[Hammer278]

For differentiating their helmets.

[vlad]

Too much alike, if you ask me.

[Hammer278]

From side view, it's no issue but from a distance...definitely too alike.

[racechick]

but it's their choice so we have to live with it. Not fair to ask either to change. I expect several hearts topping screaming fits this season!!

[Hammer278]

but it's their choice so we have to live with it. Not fair to ask either to change. I expect several hearts topping screaming fits this season!!

If they keep their brakes in shape, and their coils wired right...hopefully not. The engines are superb, and no other team would know better on how to keep them reliable. Maybe the hydraulics to watch out for.

[Jabberwocky]

I think Nico and Lewis will get along just fine.

"I am [excited] I could barely sleep last night!" Hamilton said. "It's quite an exciting day for us - the launch of a new car - and to be team-mates with Nico; we were just saying how crazy it is because we used to be team-mates back in 2000 when we were go-karting so it's a dream for me to be back here as his team-mate

[youtube]P2-VGDF4y18[/youtube]

Interesting, but it is Not Unusual

[What's Burning?]

Too much alike, if you ask me.

I hope there will be some voluntary divergence.