Lewis Hamilton is out to restore the glory days at Mercedes in his final season before switching to Ferrari. 

The Brit joined the team in 2013 and has lifted seven world titles during a glittering career.

But, thanks to the dominance of Red Bull, Mercedes have struggled in recent years and their No1 driver insisted he out to put that right at the launch of the 2024 car.

Hamilton, 39, said: "It's obviously been emotional, it's very surreal to be here. 

"I came here in 2013 — 11 years with the team, this is the start of my 12th.

"The focus through the whole of winter training is getting the team back to where we once were. We have had these difficult couple of years which have been really grounding for us.

"It is such a privilege to work with people to see the work they're doing over the winter. 

"This is the most exciting part of the year. To know everything underneath the hood, that George [Russell] and I will be able to experience on the track. It's exciting."

Hamilton has not lifted the drivers' championship since 2020 — or won a Grand Prix in the years following his controversial defeat to Max Verstappen in the 2021 title race. 

Team principal Toto Wolff is determined to give the superstar and team-mate George Russell, 25, a car capable of challenging Verstappen.

He said: "It has been a very busy winter. It will be our last season with Lewis so we are keen on bringing a quick car. 

"We got it wrong with the new regulations but we finished first eight times in a row.

"We know it's a big mountain to climb. We have the best driver combination, hopefully the best car."