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Hamilton opined that he was coming to terms with the new challenge and has started to embrace the changes he would have to experience behind the wheel of the most successful side in the history of the championships.
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain stands by his car ahead of the first practice session for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who came in fifth on the grid at the free practice at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, expressed that he is relishing his start with legendary side Ferrari after his first official appearance in the Prancing Horse following his switch to the Italian car manufacturer ahead of the 2025 season.
Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc reigned supreme on Friday as he clocked the best lap on the day around Austin Park at one minute and 16.439 seconds, while the Brit was 0.42 seconds behind the Monegasque.
Hamilton, however, opined that he was coming to terms with the new challenge and has started to embrace the changes he would have to experience behind the wheel of the most successful side in the history of the championships.
“It’s been a learning day as I continue to understand and get to grips with the new car,” Hamilton said.
“Everything is so completely different from what I’ve been used to for so long, but that’s the challenge and I’m embracing it,” the Brit added.
Hamilton iterated that he was happy with the improvements he had made in the second free practice and would have to work on the balance and pace of the car ahead of the curtain-raiser down under.
“We were not completely satisfied with FP1 but we made some good progress in FP2 and got some solid longer runs in, which was important,” said the 40-year-old.
“There’s still balance work to do overnight, and we’re missing a bit of pace, but that’s expected.”
“It’s about building step-by-step, maximising what we have, and continuing to push forward. Looking forward to working hard and seeing what improvements we can make tomorrow,” he added.
Leclerc also voiced that there was some room for improvement despite topping the charts on Friday.
“The feeling in the car was good and we had a solid first day on track. There is still some margin for improvement in terms of the balance, which is the same for everyone across the paddock,” Leclerc said.
“It’s too early to come to any conclusions. We will only get a first idea of the respective pace of all the teams in qualifying,” the 27-year-old added.
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