Despite last weekend's triumph at Hungary, Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn believes Lewis Hamilton has not yet realised his ultimate potential with the team.
Hamilton, who joined Mercedes from McLaren this season, dominated the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday from pole. The 28-year-old Briton has taken three pole positions in the last three races but Brawn said he was still adapting to his new team. "When a driver of Lewis's calibre joins a team, there is massive expectation but every driver takes a little time to settle in, to understand the nuances. It has taken a little while but I see great signs, particularly the last few races," Brawn told BBC.
Hamilton's victory in Hungary puts him 48 points behind world number one Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull with 225 points. But Hamilton has scored more points in the last three races than any other driver.
On being asked about his title chances, Hamilton said, "It's too early [to talk about it] at the moment. [But] of course, it's definitely in the back of my mind." And with nine races to go in the season, Hamilton is confident of Mercedes' title chances. "I truly believe in this car. It feels awesome," he said.
Mercedes have three wins and four poles from the last five races. "[Hamilton] is starting to pick up momentum and move in the right direction. So we honestly don't know where the limit is, because we are on a journey with Lewis and we don't know where the limits are," Brawn said.
"It's our big challenge to maintain that [momentum]. Our hit rate [on developments] has been pretty good this season. Things that we have brought to the track have generally worked and we've got some things coming up in the next few races that could give us the impetus and momentum to take us through the year," the Mercedes principal added.
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