Mercedes motorsport chief Toto Wolff has been impressed with the impact Lewis Hamilton has made in the team as it prepares for the 2013 Formula One season.
Wolff told DPA in an interview Hamilton had confirmed his own belief that there was more to being a world champion than the ability to drive fast.
“He has social intelligence, he is good with people, he knows how to motivate them, he is a meticulous worker,” Wolff said of the British driver.
“It’s a lot of fun to work with professional people. If they are also nice, that’s even better. All of us in the team are delighted that Lewis has joined us.”
Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, has joined from McLaren to team up with German Nico Rosberg on the track. The season begins on Sunday with the Australian Grand Prix.