Lewis Hamilton is easing into the Australian Grand Prix, gradually gaining speed and confidence as he adapts to the unique feel of his new Ferrari.
At Albert Park, the seven-time world champion had a rocky start, finishing outside the top ten in the first practice session. However, he made significant progress in the second round, landing in sixth place—just 0.4 seconds behind his teammate Charles Leclerc, who claimed the fastest lap. Hamilton acknowledges the vast differences between his new ride and his former vehicles, emphasizing his need for patience as he strives to boost his performance.
“The lead-up to this week has been super exciting, and it felt incredible to finally hit the track in a Ferrari,” Hamilton shared. “Honestly, the car feels completely different from what I’ve previously experienced at this circuit, so the first practice involved quite a bit of adjustment. The second session felt better—we’re incrementally improving and picking up speed bit by bit.”
He added that while the car isn’t problematic, it demands a distinct driving approach, and he’s in the process of adapting his style while relishing the driving experience.
Hamilton admits that these improvements won’t happen as rapidly as they did in the past. He’s still figuring out how to effectively communicate and coordinate with his new team at Ferrari. “I wouldn’t say we’re improving quickly—P1 was a bit chaotic, but P2 was starting to come together. I’m also familiarizing myself with the setup adjustments, which I don’t have down pat yet as I did at Mercedes due to my long tenure there,” he explained. “I’m learning what tools we have at our disposal. It’s interesting to see how Charles just knows what to do because he’s been with Ferrari longer, but I’m gradually piecing everything together.”
While Hamilton is cautious about aiming for pole position as he continues to get acquainted with the car, he’s encouraged by Ferrari’s competitive edge against McLaren in Melbourne. “For me, it’s a bit early as I’m still learning the car—but, never say never,” he remarked. “I’m going all in tomorrow without pressuring myself excessively. I’m just going to enjoy the ride, knowing I have some speed to uncover. I know where to find it, and it’s just about going out there and building on it.”
He also noted Ferraris competitive long runs, saying, “The long run seemed competitive with others. McLaren looks pretty fast, so it’s close at the top. It’s just been an unbelievably fun day racing in red—it’s been amazing.”
