Confident Hamilton: My team don't make mistakes

Lewis Hamilton has full faith Mercedes can deliver him a car ready to challenge for a record eighth world championship after he controversially missed out last season.

Two months and 11 days after last year's controversial finale in Abu Dhabi - which saw Hamilton denied a record-breaking eighth title - F1 emerged from its winter hibernation with its first pre-season test at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya on Wednesday.

"Every year is exciting but this one is completely brand new," Hamilton said before taking to the track on Wednesday.

"I have seen designs of our car obviously but this is the first time you get to see the other teams out there on track.

"You want to see a close eye and see why others have taken a different route. You have no idea where you stand so it is definitely exciting."

The sport has undergone the biggest overhaul of its regulations in a generation, and Hamilton was among the interested spectators outside rival Max Verstappen's Red Bull garage when the running started on Wednesday morning.

"I do hope that these rules deliver in terms of closer racing," the seven-time champion said. "It puts everybody on a closer playing field."

Asked if he felt Mercedes might not be able to provide him with a car to challenge for the championship, Hamilton said: "Why would I ever feel that way? My team don't make mistakes.

"Of course that is a risk (with the new regulations) but I trust the team. Whether it is good or bad we will work through it."

Lando Norris set the fastest time on day one of testing, with the McLaren finishing ahead of the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Hamilton was fifth behind his new team-mate George Russell.

The first test runs until Friday, with three further days in Bahrain