Opting to launch their 2011 challenger after the first pre-season test, McLaren were already on the back foot and were not helped by the many reliability issues that they encountered during the 12 days in their MP4-26.McLaren's woeful form led BBC commentator Martin Brundle to describe the car as a "mess", adding that the MP4-26 had a "fundamental issue."
Lap time also hinted that the 2011 car, which reportedly has problems with both the front wing and the exhaust, is roughly two seconds slower than its rivals over short-distance runs.
Hamilton, though, insists this is not true.
"We are not two seconds from the front even if I never made it out of the 1.22s," the Brit told Auto Moto und Sport.
"But in the long distance runs, the lap times are okay."
The 2008 World Champ added that he believes, in full qualifying trim, he could still shave a few tenths off his times. Asked what he reckons the car is capable of, he said: "A low 1.22 time."
However, on the final day at Barcelona on a dry track, five drivers, including Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Nico Rosberg, Nick Heidfeld and Rubens Barrichello posted times of 1:22.2 or lower.
In fact, Schumacher's P1 time on that day was a 1:21.249, which means Hamilton's assessment would still put him a full second behind the German.
The McLaren driver, though, is confident his team has the ability to turn their fortunes around.
"I am optimistic and hope for positive improvements. Let's keep our fingers crossed that the guys come up with something new," he said.
"The hill that we need to climb is steep but I know we can do it. Last year, we also began the season with a car that was not the fastest."
Source: Planet-F1
