Lewis Hamilton’s debut in a Ferrari has become the center of attention as the Formula 1 season kicks off in Melbourne. With eight pole positions historically at Albert Park but only two victories—the most recent over a decade ago—Hamilton’s shift to a team with a record 10 wins in Australia signals a promising start.
Hamilton’s first outing during FP1 saw him grappling with the nuances of his new car. An early lock-up while on medium tires marked his initial hiccup, yet he managed to secure a clean run thereafter. Despite this, Hamilton concluded the session in 12th place, trailing behind his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who impressively finished third.
A small lock-up for Lewis Hamilton on his first out lap for Ferrari 👀💨#F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/Ts4ozJZ5ab
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 14, 2025
“Never Say Never” For a Pole Position in Melbourne
Reflecting on his initial experience, Hamilton remarked, “For me I think it’s a little bit early (to go for pole) as I continue to learn the car, but never say never. I will give it everything and I’m just not putting too much pressure on.”
The Britton acknowledges he has to find some pace but he knows where to find it. “It’s just about going out and doing it.”
After 12 years in Mercedes, the Cavallino Rampante is understandably behaving very differently, so adapting to it is part of the process.
“P2 was definitely a bit better but I’m just slowly building and getting a little bit faster bit by bit,” Hamilton explained.
The second practice session saw Hamilton make strides, finishing fifth, albeit 0.420 seconds off the pace set by Leclerc, who topped the session.
He emphasized the adjustments needed in his driving style, stating, “The car doesn’t feel bad or anything. It just requires a different way of driving, so adjusting my driving style bit by bit but enjoying driving.”
Adjusting to Team Dynamics, Strategy, and Italian Food
The adaptation extends beyond the track as Hamilton acclimates to Ferrari’s setup. “I’m still getting used to the set-up changes,” he noted.
“I don’t have them on call like I used to have at Mercedes because I’d been there so long. I knew exactly all the changes.”
The competitive landscape in Formula 1 remains as intense as ever, with top teams like Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes all vying for dominance. As is typical in the early free practice sessions of the championship, the true pace of each contender is still uncertain, with some teams potentially holding back more than others.
Hamilton’s adaptation also extends to his new life in Italy—a change that involves more than just mastering a Ferrari. During a light-hearted moment in the press room, Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur addressed inquiries about Hamilton’s adjustment to the Italian lifestyle, including the local cuisine.
“I’m not sure that it’s a drama to adapt yourself to the italian food when you’re coming from the UK.”
With one more practice session before qualifying, Hamilton has a brief window to further fine-tune his approach to the Ferrari. Melbourne’s weather, mostly sunny with a chance of rain, may also play a crucial role in the weekend’s dynamics, potentially shaking up the grid and offering a prelude to Sunday’s race.
Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is just beginning, and all eyes will be on him as he continues to adapt to his new racing environment during the first Grand Prix of the season.
Feature Image Credit: Scuderia ferrari
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