Mercedes F1 quality not quantity focus paying off

Ferrari brought a big revised bodywork package to Spain and then two races later in Canada used the first tokens of its allocation for a major engine upgrade.

In contrast, Mercedes has focused on incremental tweaks at each race, similar to its strategy last year, and Hamilton believes that is the right way to go.

"The development has been the same as it was last year for us," said the reigning world champion.

"We have just continued to improve race by race.

"Rather than bringing big chunks to races, like Ferrari brought a big chunk to Barcelona or Montreal or wherever it was, we're just really about quality rather than quantity.

"Just little bits here and there. We have got a great team of people who continue to come up with great additions to the car."

Ferrari is second in the constructors' championship, 136 points adrift of Mercedes, which is an improvement on this stage last season, when it was third, 203 behind.

Championship leader Hamilton said he has been impressed with Ferrari's form so far this season.

"They've done a great job," he said. "Naturally they have put a lot into catching.

"It is always easier to catch than it is to lead.

"I describe it a bit like going up a mountain or a hill.

"We're at the top of it and it will tail off a little bit in terms of development."