“Testing is what it says on the tin, it’s about finding your feet, about
gaining in confidence in the team you’re working with and the car you’re
driving.”
After admiring the car for the first time, Hamilton said: “I think it
looks fantastic. It’s great to be here after a great winter.
“The car is the most refined looking we’ve had for some time, so I’m
excited to get back into it.”
Ahead of his sixth season with the team, Hamilton added: “It feels very
much like only yesterday when I went up to (former team boss) Ron (Dennis)
and said I wanted to race for his team.
“But we’ve been competing at the front all those years. We’ve strength in
depth, a great foundation from which we work. This is a team that never
gives up.”
Caterham were the first to launch last week, with their car sporting a
‘duck-billed platypus’ shaped nose, the result of the meeting between front
suspension and chassis.
That has been based on new regulations that decree a higher nose, with many
suspecting that would be the way forward, leading to it being described as
‘ugly’.
However, the new McLaren remained very much true to past cars, with a smooth
transition across the chassis from cockpit to front wing.
Button said: “This is a beautiful car, which for me is important. Many
you see will not be.”
Hamilton concurred, adding: “We’re coming in massively motivated, very
fresh, and when you have a good-looking car, generally it’s a good car, so
hopefully that is the case.”
Hamilton and Button represent a third of the six world champions that will be
on the grid this season for the first time in the sport’s history.
The duo are joined by Vettel, Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso and the
returning Kimi Raikkonen, who this season will be driving for Lotus.
Hamilton added: “We love to have competition. It’s great to have so many
great drivers. Hopefully there won’t be too many more added to it.
“It’s great for fans, great for the sport.”
Button and Hamilton took different routes over the winter, with the former
preferring warm climes, whilst Hamilton opted for time in a chillier
Colorado.
Button said: “It was great. I spent time with family and friends, and it
was good to be away from the car for a while.
“But after a few weeks I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel again.
“I came back on the fifth of January. I spent some time in the simulator,
and I’ve just been getting back to the way of life of a driver and spending
time at the MTC (McLaren
Technology Centre).”
As for Hamilton, he said: “For me it was nice to be away from it all, to
get the energy back, to refresh, to start anew
“I altered training, I balanced things a bit better, spent more time with
family and friends and I had a great break.
“Thanks to (team principal) Martin (Whitmarsh) for giving me such a good
break.”