Hamilton now a team player

MONACO. – Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes Lewis Hamilton has changed from being a loner to become a true team player this year – and hopes that it will boost his hopes of taking pole in Monaco.

As the Formula One paddock took advantage of yesterday’s traditional rest day in Monte Carlo, Mercedes were busy seeking solutions to the set-up problems that saw three-time champion Hamilton fall a second behind championship leader Sebastian Vettel in Thursday afternoon’s second practice.

Ferrari were doing the same to ensure their advantage was consolidated with four-time champion Vettel forecasting a major fight-back from the champions.

“I am not counting out Mercedes,” he said.

“They probably had a problem and I am sure they will be back to full force on Saturday.

“There is plenty of time for them to sort things out. My guess is that it will be very close – and that the five-tenths we are ahead of Red Bull is not the reality.’’ – SuperSport.