Mercedes completes shakedown at Silverstone: 'Some useful findings'

Trouble-free shakedown Mercedes at Silverstone

Immediately after the unveiling of the W14 on Wednesday, Mercedes also took to the track, but like Ferrari did a day earlier, no more than 15 kilometres were covered in the new car. That way, it officially counts as a demonstration and none of the permitted kilometres of a filming day are consumed.

That shakedown followed a day later, also at Silverstone. In total, Hamilton and Russell covered the maximum permitted distance of 100 kilometres and it went off without a hitch, the drivers told Sky Sports afterwards.

"The day has been smooth; we got through a good programme, and we've come away with some useful findings. I generally felt comfortable in the car and I'm excited to get going in Bahrain," Hamilton informed.

Russell is also enthusiastic. "It was very cold and greasy out there today, but the car ran smoothly, and we completed all the laps we are permitted to do. We know pre-season testing in Bahrain will be the first real test of the car. Nevertheless, it looks great out on circuit and the feeling from within the car is so far, so good."