Once aga𓂃in, Mercedes head into a new F1 sea𒊎son on the backfoot, with their W14 someway off Red Bull’s RB19.

While the porpoising issues of last year haven’t re-surfaced, as it stands, Mercedes do𓄧n’t seem to have the pace to challenge for the win in Bahrain this weekend.

• Hamilton insists “no ho♍ld up” over new Mercede🐭s F1 contract despite rumours

While the pecking order is still unclear, many h🐷ave tipped Mercedes to be in a fight with Aston Martin to be the third-fastest team.

Regardl꧑ess of Mercedes’ overall performance, Hamilton says he’s ready for a title fight.

“We will find out in the next couple of days for what is realistic,” he told Sky. “But that’s what I have prepared for. I have prepared myself for a championship🌌 battle. Whether or not we have the equipment for a championship battle? We will find out. But I do believe🗹 that I have the team, still, who are championship worthy. We will keep our heads down.

“Last year we were in panic mode - ‘what is the 🍒issue? Fix it!’ It took us forever to fully understand it. This year, we start with a car that doesn’t bounce but it is similar to last year’s cars. But there are positives. It is a good foundation to work on.”

There was speculation followingౠ testing that Mercedes have a ‘Plan B’ car in𓄧 reserve should their current concept not work.

• Mercedes’ new rear﷽ wing revealed ahead of Bahrain GP

“I saw people talking a💫bout a Plan B, there isn’t a Plan B, it’s complete rubbish,” he added.

“We are living in a time of the cost cap. To re-do and redesign a car you have to go back to square one, and we don’t have time in the season 🌠to do that.

“We will continue to evolve and buﷺild the car, and push it to its absolute limit. I know I’ve got the best team behind me to close the gap. It’s about fiꦬnding that performance as fast as we can.”