Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton quit McLaren after last season to join the Mercedes team. (REUTERS)
The questions are already be asked about whether Lewis Hamilton will: A) fit in at Mercedes and B) be a success right out of the gate?
Hamilton’s decision last season to quit McLaren — the only Formula 1 team he has ever known — and sign on with Mercedes was the story of the year.
Mercedes, which had returned to F-1 three season ago with seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, needed a boost after Schumacher and young star Nico Rosberg failed to challenge Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren for a title.
It is Mercedes’ hope that Hamilton can light a fire under Rosberg.
It is not certain, however, that Hamilton sees that as his role. After all, he does not exactly have a sterling reputation for being a good teammate.
But he is putting on a brave face as the team heads to Albert Park and the Australian Grand Prix this weekend.
