Hamilton says Mercedes can challenge the best

Lewis Hamilton is adamant it is not impossible for Mercedes to become winners this season and challenge Formula One’s front runners.

Hamilton yesterday paid a visit to the Mercedes-Benz museum and factory in Stuttgart and delivered a rousing speech to the workforce ahead of his debut campaign with the German manufacturing giant.

The 28-year-old will this year attempt to revive the fortunes of a team that has won just one grand prix in the three years since their return to F1 at the start of 2010.

In signing a three-year contract worth £15m per season after quitting McLaren where he had spent the previous six years, the pressure is on Hamilton and Mercedes, but he is convinced they can both deliver.

Hamilton said: “I think this year is going to be an interesting year, an interesting journey, but I think it’s going to be a journey we enjoy.

“I live to win. That’s what I work towards every year, so that’s what we’re going to work towards this year.

“Of course it’s going to be tough to compete with the guys who are already at the front – the Red Bulls, the McLarens, the Ferraris – but I don’t think it’s impossible.”