Formula One News

Formula One News » Hakkinen: McLaren will be on top form, Doesn’t see Mercedes competing Posted on 12/02/2013

Double world champion Mika Hakkinen believes McLaren will be on top form and that Mercedes won’t be “competing too much” as he speaks about the upcoming 2013 Formula 1 championship.

“With the first test you never really get a 100 per cent picture of exactly where the performance of the car is,” Hakkinen told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“It’s a bit too early. I believe at the next test in Barcelona (starting on February 19), that is going to be more interesting to see who is at the top of the list.”

“I have a strong feeling McLaren are on top form this year.”

“Mercedes were not exactly up to the speed I expected them to be, so I don’t see them competing too much this year.”

“Lewis has been with McLaren for so many years and I think, for him, it was time to change, It’s just a job to be honest.”

“There are no emotional feelings about it, you are there to win, you are racing with the team and you do your maximum for the team. Lewis has now moved to Mercedes and that is going to be interesting because his team-mate Nico Rosberg is also a very quick driver.”