Lewis Hamilton admitted that "it's tough on the spirit" having to endure a difficult start to the 2024 season.

A DNF in Melbourne saw the Brit claim just eight points from the first three races and a lack of trust in Mercedes' W15.

“I think it’s tough on the spirit,” said Hamilton. “I think for everyone in the team, when so much work has gone on throughout the winter for everybody and you come in excited, motivated and driven, and then you’re with the mindset that you’re going to be fighting for wins, and then obviously that’s not the case.

“And then you either get maybe second or third, but that’s not the case and it cascades a bit further down and you just go through the motions.

“It’s challenging, but I continue to be inspired by the people I work with. They continue to put in the effort and show up, and that’s the most important thing.”