The Silver Arrows have monopolised F1 since the switch to hybrid turbo engines in 2014, winning all four available Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
And yet their supremacy shows no signs of ending in the near future, with Mercedes’ W09 car seemingly set to front the grid for much of the 2018 season.
Hamilton’s defence of his title gets underway in Australia this weekend and he insists there will be no carelessness on show from him, team-mate Valtteri Bottas or any of the Mercedes team.
“I personally think you never get used to victories,” the Briton declared.
“If you do get used to victories, then you’re being complacent.
“I don’t think that’s our philosophy. That’s not what we work towards.
“You should see how much energy there is in the team, how hard everybody’s working.
“They could easily be like ‘Hey we’ve won four championships, I’ll finish half an hour early today and I’ll go home, we’re going to win anyway’ but that’s not the mentality.”
In fact, Hamilton insists the attitude of Mercedes’ work-force is the exact opposite – as shown by their approach in the immediate aftermath of pre-season testing earlier this month.
“The guys are staying until midnight at the factory,” the 33-year-old continued.
“Someone was saying that they arrived back from test on Friday. On Saturday the whole car park was full, everyone’s there.
“They’re just gunning, everyone’s so excited. That’s hugely encouraging and inspiring for me.
“That means I’m going to get up and make sure I’m ready for the race.”