Mercedes brought the latest iteration of its floor design to last weekend's United States Grand Prix in Austin as it continues to chase improvements that will not only yield lap time across 2023's final races but will also stand it in good stead for next year's car design.
Like its predecessor, the W14 has been a tricky beast to tame for Hamilton and team-mate George Russell, who have both battled through various degrees of lacking confidence in the car through high-speed corners.
Austin appeared to mark a step forward for Hamilton as he finished a close second behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen, even if he was later disqualified for excessive floor plank wear.
"Yeah, definitely I think the step that we were able to take this weekend has given me a little bit more confidence in the car, to throw it into the corners," Hamilton said before his disqualification.
"I really enjoyed driving around this track. There are still some of the fundamental issues that we're having with the car, which won't change until next year.
"But it was really positive to feel that the steps that we are taking."
Source: Autosport