Brackley-based Mercedes have assured Lewis Hamilton they have every confidence in him despite the driver’s remarks to the contrary.
Ahead of last weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix in which he finished third after starting from second, Hamilton conceded to approaching the race “massively determined to regain everyone’s confidence in me”.
Hamilton admitted to lacking certainty and comfort in his car, in particular with regard to the brakes, claiming to never in his life experiencing problems in that area.
That followed a run in which team-mate Nico Rosberg had claimed three successive pole positions to leave Hamilton in the shade.
But Mercedes motorsport director Toto Wolff maintains Hamilton has lived up to expectations since he joined the team at the start of the year, and is convinced greater success is around the corner.
“I don’t have that feeling we lack confidence in him,” said Wolff.
“Maybe he has been surprised with Nico’s pace.
“It has not always been clear compared to Michael (Schumacher) and in his time with Williams.
“Now he has proven he is really quick and this came as a surprise for Lewis, but I don’t think it’s a real problem.
“We saw he was very strong in Canada where he was on course for pole before he missed his braking in the last sector which was really wet.
“I think we are going to see great races from Lewis. I’ve no doubt about that.”
It had been suggested in the build up to the race in Montreal one of the reasons for Hamilton’s struggles was the amount of freedom the 28-year-old was being allowed by Mercedes.
That had raised questions as to Hamilton’s commitment to the team and the sport, but again Wolff dismissed the accusations.
“For sure, it’s different here to McLaren,” added Wolff.
“We’re trying to give him freedom, but I don’t think it’s the reason why he hasn’t performed up to his expectations, although he has performed up to ours.
“Nico obviously had a great run. He showed he is a top guy and a top driver, and it’s been the best situation for our team.
“I guess it will eventually balance out, from one side and then to the other.
“But I don’t think there is any specific reason at this stage to say he has a problem or is struggling severely.
“It is also still early in the season for him, he is just beginning with the team, whereas Nico has been here for a couple of years.”
Team principal Ross Brawn, meanwhile, insists no stone is being left unturned to help Hamilton get on top of his brake issues.
“We’re doing simple things - master cylinder size, pedal ratio, the comfort in the car, feel for the pedals,” said Brawn.
“There is quite a lot of intricacy with brake cooling these days because not only are you working at cooling the brakes, you’re also trying to stop any heat from going into the wheels or the tyres.
“There is a complexity around the brake systems, so we are working on that. It’s all pretty simple, straightforward things.
“It is pretty subtle, I think. The brakes work well, but he is not exactly getting the right feel that he wants from them.”