Lewis Hamilton believes caution is still required despite Mercedes' impressive start to the first pre-season Formula One test.
The Brackley-based team have clocked up the miles at Jerez this week while many of their rivals have struggled to get the highly-complex cars for 2014 on the track.
Lewis Hamilton was impressed with Mercedes' performance at Jerez
Towards the end of last season the suggestion then was that Mercedes were out in front with regard to the development of the new V6 turbo-powered engines and ERS (energy recovery system), and so far that has proven to be the case.
With the exception of a front-wing failure on the opening day on Tuesday, when Hamilton was at the wheel, the W05 has proven highly reliable.
Team-mate Nico Rosberg completed 97 laps on Wednesday, with Hamilton following up with 62 on Thursday, while three hours into the final day on a wet Friday the former had rattled off another 78.
Hamilton said: "It's incredibly impressive what we have done so far, and then you see other teams who have hardly been out, like Red Bull.
"You'd imagine they would be doing easily as many laps as us given their track record, but they've had issues.
"It shows you how technically difficult and challenging it is for every team. It's the most demanding experience anyone has had for a long time.
"So for us to do so many laps, way above the rest, is a huge accomplishment from the team.
"We're happy, which shows the strength within our team, but then we have been working hard for quite some time to get the car ready for here."
F1 testing at Jerez
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Four - Circuito de Jerez(01 of79)
McLaren driver Kevin Magnussen is followed by Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Four - Circuito de Jerez(02 of79)
Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 4 - Jerez, Spain(03 of79)
Daniil Kvyat (RUS) Scuderia Toro Rosso STR9 leaves the pits.Formula One Testing, Day Four, Friday 31st January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Three - Circuito de Jerez(04 of79)
Toro Rosso driver Jean-Eric Vergne jumps from his car as fire marshals use fire extinguishers, after smoke was seen coming from the car, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
F1 Testing in Jerez - Day Four(05 of79)
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN - JANUARY 31: Daniil Kvyat of Russia and Scuderia Toro Rosso prepares to drive during day four of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 31, 2014 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Andrew Hone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
F1 Testing in Jerez - Day Four(06 of79)
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN - JANUARY 31: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Infiniti Red Bull Racing drives during day four of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 31, 2014 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Ker Robertson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
F1 Testing in Jerez - Day Four(07 of79)
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN - JANUARY 31: Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP drives during day four of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 31, 2014 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Ker Robertson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
F1 Testing in Jerez - Day Four(08 of79)
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN - JANUARY 31: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Infiniti Red Bull Racing drives during day four of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 31, 2014 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
F1 Testing in Jerez - Day Four(09 of79)
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN - JANUARY 31: Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP drives during day four of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 31, 2014 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Three - Circuito de Jerez(10 of79)
McLaren driver Kevin Magnussen speaks during a press conference, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Three - Circuito de Jerez(11 of79)
Marussia driver Max Chilton poses for a picture as he walks through the paddock, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 3 - Jerez, Spain(12 of79)
The Scuderia Toro Rosso STR9 of Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA) Scuderia Toro Rosso is recovered back to the pits by mechanics.Formula One Testing, Day Three, Thursday 30th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Three - Circuito de Jerez(13 of79)
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton speaks outside the team garage, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 3 - Jerez, Spain(14 of79)
Kevin Magnussen (DEN) McLaren MP4-29.Formula One Testing, Day Three, Thursday 30th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Three - Circuito de Jerez(15 of79)
Smoke comes from the broken down Red Bull Racing car of Daniel Ricciardo (left) during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 3 - Jerez, Spain(16 of79)
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Ferrari F14-T.Formula One Testing, Day Three, Thursday 30th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 3 - Jerez, Spain(17 of79)
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W05.Formula One Testing, Day Three, Thursday 30th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
F1 Testing in Jerez - Day Three(18 of79)
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN - JANUARY 30: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Infiniti Red Bull Racing prepares to drive the new RB10 for the first time during day three of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 30, 2014 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 2 - Jerez, Spain(19 of79)
A Ferrari pit board showing support for Michael Schumacher (GER).Formula One Testing, Day Two, Wednesday 29th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 3 - Jerez, Spain(20 of79)
Robin Frijns (NLD) Caterham CT05 Test and Reserve Driver.Formula One Testing, Day Three, Thursday 30th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 3 - Jerez, Spain(21 of79)
Adrian Sutil (GER) Sauber C33 locks up under braking.Formula One Testing, Day Three, Thursday 30th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 3 - Jerez, Spain(22 of79)
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Ferrari F14-T running sensor equipment.Formula One Testing, Day Three, Thursday 30th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 3 - Jerez, Spain(23 of79)
Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA) Scuderia Toro Rosso STR9.Formula One Testing, Day Three, Thursday 30th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 3 - Jerez, Spain(24 of79)
Action as the sun rises over the circuit.Formula One Testing, Day Three, Thursday 30th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Three - Circuito de Jerez(25 of79)
Mechanics check the Red Bull Racing car of Daniel Ricciardo (right) after it stopped with smoke coming from it, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Three - Circuito de Jerez(26 of79)
Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso stands next to his car after it stopped on a practice lap, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Three - Circuito de Jerez(27 of79)
The Ferrari of Fernando Alonso is loaded onto a truck after it stopped on a practice lap, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Three - Circuito de Jerez(28 of79)
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton (right) is followed by the Sauber of Adrian Sutil, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 3 - Jerez, Spain(29 of79)
Felipe Massa (BRA) Williams FW36.Formula One Testing, Day Three, Thursday 30th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 3 - Jerez, Spain(30 of79)
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Ferrari F14-T.Formula One Testing, Day Three, Thursday 30th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 3 - Jerez, Spain(31 of79)
(L to R): Pedro De La Rosa (ESP) Ferrari Development Driver cycles the perimiter road with Massimo Rivola (ITA) Ferrari Sporting Director.Formula One Testing, Day Three, Thursday 30th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 3 - Jerez, Spain(32 of79)
Jenson Button (GBR) McLaren MP4-29.Formula One Testing, Day Three, Thursday 30th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 4 - Jerez, Spain(33 of79)
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Red Bull Racing with the media.Formula One Testing, Day Four, Friday 31st January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
F1 Testing in Jerez - Day Two(34 of79)
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing prepares to drive during day two of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 29, 2014 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
F1 Testing in Jerez - Day Two(35 of79)
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and Ferrari drives during day two of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 29, 2014 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
F1 Testing in Jerez - Day Two(36 of79)
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Force India drives during day two of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 29, 2014 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Andrew Hone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
F1 Testing in Jerez - Day Two(37 of79)
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and Ferrari drives during day two of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 29, 2014 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
F1 Testing in Jerez - Day Two(38 of79)
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing drives during day two of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 29, 2014 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
F1 Testing in Jerez - Day Two(39 of79)
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Esteban Gutierrez of Mexico and Sauber F1 drives during day two of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 29, 2014 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
F1 Testing in Jerez - Day Two(40 of79)
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing prepares to drive during day two of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 29, 2014 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day One - Circuito de Jerez(41 of79)
Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel leaves the pit lane for a test lap, during the launch of the RB10 2014 Formula 1 car, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Two - Circuito de Jerez(42 of79)
Sauber driver Esteban Gutierrez, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Two - Circuito de Jerez(43 of79)
McLaren driver Jenson Button, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
F1 Testing in Jerez - Day Two(44 of79)
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Force India drives during day two of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 29, 2014 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Two - Circuito de Jerez(45 of79)
McLaren driver Jenson Button, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Two - Circuito de Jerez(46 of79)
Sauber driver Esteban Gutierrez, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Two - Circuito de Jerez(47 of79)
Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
F1 Testing in Jerez - Day Two(48 of79)
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and Ferrari drives during day two of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 29, 2014 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Two - Circuito de Jerez(49 of79)
McLaren driver Jenson Button, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Two - Circuito de Jerez(50 of79)
Force India driver Sergio Perez, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day Two - Circuito de Jerez(51 of79)
Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 2 - Jerez, Spain(52 of79)
Sergio Perez (MEX) Sahara Force India F1.Formula One Testing, Day Two, Wednesday 29th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 2 - Jerez, Spain(53 of79)
Sergio Perez (MEX) Sahara Force India F1 VJM07 leaves the pits.Formula One Testing, Day Two, Wednesday 29th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(54 of79)
Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari F14-T leaves the pits with flow-vis paint on the front wing.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(55 of79)
Marcus Ericsson (SWE) Caterham CT04.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(56 of79)
Sauber C33 front wing and nosecone detail.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(57 of79)
Marcus Ericsson (SWE) Caterham CT04 leaves the pits.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(58 of79)
Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA) Scuderia Toro Rosso STR9.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(59 of79)
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull Racing RB10.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day One - Circuito de Jerez(60 of79)
Force India drivers Nico Hulkenberg (right) and Sergio Perez unveil be VJM09 2014 Formula 1 car, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(61 of79)
Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari with the media.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day One - Circuito de Jerez(62 of79)
Williams driver Valtteri Bottas enters turn 1, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(63 of79)
Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari F14-T.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(64 of79)
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull Racing RB10.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Sebastian Vettel(65 of79)
Infiniti Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany drives the new RB10 Formula One car at the Circuito de Jerez on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (AP Photo/Miguel Angel Morenatti) (credit:AP)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day One - Circuito de Jerez(66 of79)
Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen locks his brakes as he enters turn 1, during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(67 of79)
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W05.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(68 of79)
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W05.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(69 of79)
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W05 with a message of support for Michael Schumacher (GER).Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(70 of79)
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W05 crashes at the first corner.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(71 of79)
The Mercedes AMG F1 W05 of Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 is recovered back to the pits on the back of a truck after he crashed at the first corner.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day One - Circuito de Jerez(72 of79)
Mercedes' driver Lewis Hamilton in action during the 2014 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(73 of79)
Sergio Perez (MEX) Sahara Force India F1 VJM07 leaves the pits.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(74 of79)
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W05.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(75 of79)
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull Racing at the unveiling of the Red Bull Racing RB10.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(76 of79)
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 at the unveiling of the new Mercedes AMG F1 W05.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day One - Circuito de Jerez(77 of79)
Mercedes' driver Lewis Hamilton during the launch of the new Mercedes F1 W05 at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Formula One - 2014 Testing - Day One - Circuito de Jerez(78 of79)
Red Bull drivers Daniel Ricciardo (right) and Sebastian Vettel during the launch of the new Red Bull RB10 car at the Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Day 1 - Jerez, Spain(79 of79)
Esteban Gutierrez (MEX) Sauber C33.Formula One Testing, Day One, Tuesday 28th January 2014. Jerez, Spain. (credit:PA)
Hamilton, however, warned: "There are so many challenges for us that anything could happen at the coming tests, so we just have to take it one day at a time."
Although Hamilton sustained a transmission issue late on Wednesday that prevented him adding to his lap tally, executive technical director Paddy Lowe was also delighted with the progress made.
"It was good to get Lewis in the car for his first real opportunity to drive some good laps and explore its performance," said Lowe.
"The transmission issue brought our day to an early close, but we achieved reasonable mileage overall and learned a great deal more about the car."