Lewis Hamilton cut a relaxed figure after what was for Mercedes a shambolic Bahrain Grand Prix. Many observers agreed, asking why he would cast himself off to Mercedes, then unproven and unsuccessful, rather than stick with a powerhouse team of pedigree. They had or were to lose main sponsor Vodafone and engine suppliers Mercedes. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff insisted that their dip in form will not drive their star man away, saying: ‘He is an integral part of the team and in picking the team up. But what if Mercedes are not the super team they once were, having haemorrhaged key personnel.

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